THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister said he has requested the Prime Minister to take measures to bring back corpses of Malayalis who die in gulf countries.

"Several Malayali organizations in GCC complain that they are facing problems to transport corpses back home. The flight restrictions due to lockdown have created mental pressure and difficulties for gulf Malayalis. The problem to transport dead bodies adds to it. In order to transport corpses the Indian Embassies there should issue a clearance certificate. But, Indian Embassies are forcing for a no-objection certificate from the Union Home Ministry", CM Vijayan said.

"The central government had earlier permitted the transport of corpses and there was no need for such certificates. Directions should be made to bring corpses home without delay. A request has been made to the PM to make facilities so that the relatives of the dead can do the final rites here", he added.

Meanwhile, the CM said he would request the centre to change the clause that refunds on flight tickets will be only for those who made bookings during lockdown days.