Saudi- Consulate eases rules on burial for Filipino Muslims

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: The Philippine Consulate in Jeddah is relaxing its rules for Filipino Muslims who wish to bury their dead in Saudi Arabia.
Outgoing Consul General Leo Tito Ausan Jr. made the announcement on Sunday following complaints by relatives of deceased Filipino workers over the delay in the burial of their loved ones. Some say their dead have remained unburied for more than a week contrary to Islamic traditions that a deceased Muslim must be buried within 24 hours.
Filipino workers groups have subsequently asked for the easing of the requirements.
Teng Lagualiam chairman of the group Filsama said the delay is a 'clear violation of the traditions of the Muslim brothers and sisters and must be amended at the soonest possible time.'
Bangsamoro Chairman Rolly Alano proposed an easier processing of burials that require less documentation.
Under the rules the consulate can issue the mandatory 'no objection certificate' only if the relative of the deceased who is giving the consent to bury the remains in the Kingdom is able to establish the fact of death and proper kinship to the dead.
The proof of kinship may be a marriage contract birth certificate or other civil registry documents as may be necessary. Securing such documents could often take long causing the delay in burials.
Consul General Ausan said that to resolve the issue particularly in the case of 'born Muslims' the consulate is accepting sworn statements from persons granting the consent for the burial in the Kingdom in lieu of the required civil registry documents.
Ausan said the person executing the sworn statement 'should declare that he is a relative is giving consent to the same and that he undertakes to be solely answerable for any subsequent claims and damages that may result to or be suffered by those who have better rights than he is in connection with the burial of the deceased.'
Vice Consul Alexander Estomo said that such mechanism is meant 'to address the need for immediate burial while ensuring that someone will bear the responsibility of facing the legal heirs when the burial was made in error.'
'We find no joy in prolonging the need for our deceased Muslim brothers to finally rest in peace. We are however constrained by certain government rules that if we fail to follow will expose us to legal suits later on which will prevent us from effectively discharging our duties. Rest assured that we already have adopted a measure that addresses this issue. We have previously tightened the application of the rules in good faith to ensure compliance' he said in a statement.