Ashes Certificate to take cremated remains to India

Hi

Sorry, I realise this might not be the correct forum for this question but I could see anywhere else relevant to ask. Apologies if this is the wrong place.

My mother recently passed away and I would like to take her ashes back to her family home in Goa sometime at the end of Feb 2011 or early March. I have checked on the websites of the Indian High Commission in London and the Consular General in Birmingham and both have information on obtaining the certificate.

My query is that on the High Commission website it says there is a fee of £15 but on the Consular website in Birmingham it say that it is 'Gratis' - no fee.

Does anyone have any experience of this? Also I have been trying to find out from Birmingham whether these can be issued in one day. I have tried phoning every single day this week, but the number just rings out and no-one ever picks up. Anyone have another number for them? The High Commission in London answered there phone and said it would be done in a day - drop off before 12pm and pick up at 4.30pm, but I will be travelling from Manchester and would prefer to just drive to Birmingham rather than going all the way to London.

Any help, advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated as this is obviously a very difficult time after her death and I'd like to try to make the whole process less stressful and upsetting than it already will be.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry for your loss. Must be a difficult time for you.

I dont know the answer, sorry.

Have you tried to e-mail them? Or maybe the London office could enlighten you as they may well be familiar with the process at the Birmingham office.

You should ask the morticians who handled the cremation. They usually have up-to-date knowledge on these matters.

Hi,

Thanks for replying.

Yes, I emailed them a few days ago on an email address I got from their website, but as yet I have not had a reply. When I called up London, I asked whether this same procedure could be done in Birmingham and they said it could. I just wanted to check with someone at the consulate before I took the day off work and made the trip.

It is very straightforward with what documents you need - this is explained clearly on the website and High Commission in London confirmed this is all that is needed. I have already obtained these necessary documents from the undertaker etc.

I just really would like to get in touch with them in Birmingham to clarify the price and the time it takes before I embark on the journey there. As you can imagine it is already quite a painful task just getting to this stage.

I think I may just have to chance it and go to Birmingham one day next week and hope for the best.

Many thanks

My Condolences to you and your family for your Loss.

See post 28 in the below link, it may help you.

Travelling with cremated remains (ashes) to India


vandy