Bodies of dead Nepali workers are reportedly stuck in several countries and authorities are struggling to bring them back due to lengthy bureaucratic procedures amid the global pandemic, The Kathmandu Post reported. 

At least 19 bodies are stuck in various countries, said Nepal’s Foreign Employment Board, a body responsible for the welfare of the migrant Nepali workers. 

“Four bodies in Malaysia are awaiting repatriation,” Din Bandhu Subedi, a spokesperson with the board, was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post. “Likewise, there are 13 bodies of Nepali migrant workers in Saudi Arabia and two in Kuwait still waiting to be brought home,” he added.

Restrictions on international flights, lengthy procedures amid the Covid-19 pandemic are among other reasons behind the delay. On Saturday last week, the officials managed to repatriate nine bodies from Malaysia, a major destination for Nepali workers. 

The remaining four bodies in the country are still awaiting approvals from local officials, the report says. 

“Himalayan Airlines does not have a wide-body plane, making it difficult for bringing back the bodies from Malaysia. Narrow-body aircraft do not have enough space for ferrying coffins,” said Subedi. “Only Nepal Airlines has wide-body planes which can bring many dead bodies in a single trip.