Abu Dhabi has a special program called "Sanadcom" that simplifies the process of obtaining government services for the families of deceased people. Since January 2025, its scope has also been extended to foreigners. Find out who can benefit from the program and what assistance is available

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In December 2024, it was announced that all residents of Abu Dhabi will now be able to receive full support if a family member dies in the emirate.

The Sanadkom program was launched in January 2024 and initially only provided services to nationals. However, from 1 January 2025, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) expanded its Sanadkom initiative to cover all residents of the emirate, including expats.

Who among the expats can participate in the Sanadkom program in Abu Dhabi?

The Sanadkom initiative will be available to expats who have a residence visa in Abu Dhabi.

What costs does the Sanadkom program cover?

The Sanadkom program covers all fees related to a death:

- Issuance of a death certificate;

- Ambulance transportation;

- Embalming;

- burial;

- repatriation of the deceased.

In such a difficult time, relatives will not have to worry about expenses and resolving organizational issues.

How does the “Sanadcom” program work?

The initiative, which aims to simplify and facilitate procedures for the family of the deceased, works according to the following system:

1. After issuing a death notice, the Sanadcom team contacts the family of the deceased to express their condolences.

2. You will then receive a text message describing the services you can expect under the initiative.

3. A special representative will be assigned to assist the family with all procedures.

4. The family of the deceased will not need to visit any government institutions. All procedures can be completed directly at the Abu Dhabi medical facility where their loved one died.

5. The doctor will assist with the necessary procedures, including filling out a report and obtaining permits that may be required on behalf of the family of the deceased with their consent.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Institutions that the Sanadcom portal unites

To simplify the burial process in Abu Dhabi, the Sanadcom Centralized Platform unites seven government institutions:

- DoH;

- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC);

- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD);

- Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF);

- Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha);

- Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)

- Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC).

How long does it take to repatriate a body from Abu Dhabi?

The term depends on whether the local authorities issue the necessary documents, as well as the availability of a flight. In general, repatriation will take approximately 5-10 working days.

What is the cost of repatriating a body from Abu Dhabi?

As mentioned above, the Sanadcom initiative compensates foreigners for the cost of repatriating a body from Abu Dhabi, here are the approximate costs of repatriation services from the UAE to different countries around the world:

- United Kingdom – from 20,000 UAE dirhams to 35,000 UAE dirhams (5,000-9,500 US dollars).

- Canada – from 20,000 to 35,000 UAE dirhams (6,500 to 11,500 Canadian dollars).

- Europe – the cost of repatriation to Europe can vary widely depending on the country. On average, the cost can be from 15,000 to 30,000 UAE dirhams (3,000 to 6,000 euros).

- Australia – AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 (AUD 9,000 to AED 16,000).

- India – Air India charges AED 3,000 (approximately INR 70,000), Indigo – AED 2,500 (approximately INR 58,000), Air Arabia – AED 2,400 (approximately INR 55,000). In addition, airport service charges range from AED 500 to AED 1,000 (approximately INR 11,000 to INR 23,000).

Since the launch of the Sanadcom initiative in January 2024, it has successfully assisted the families of deceased citizens in completing the necessary procedures, and the extension of assistance to families of foreigners will help simplify the repatriation procedure from Abu Dhabi.

As a reminder, the UAE is going to introduce a new tax on multinational companies operating in the Emirates. The country also plans to continue changing the economic system of the state. We have already told you when the changes will come into effect and to whom they will apply.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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