Madeira Legislative Assembly proposes national support for body repatriation

The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira has approved Resolution no. 18/2026/M, which presents a legislative proposal to the Assembly of the Republic aimed at creating support for the repatriation of bodies throughout the national territory. The measure seeks to amend Decree-Law no. 176/2003, of August 2, addressing a legal loophole that creates inequalities in access to this service, especially for residents in the Autonomous Regions.

The new support, which is non-contributory and subsidiary in nature, intends to:

• Compensate expenses for the repatriation of family members, including unborn children, residing in national territory.
• Guarantee access to the funeral subsidy and repatriation support in the event of the death of a minor, regardless of the parents' contribution criteria.
• Allow for the advance payment of the support amount in situations of economic hardship, upon a reasoned request.

The amount of support, the types of eligible expenses, and the allocation procedures will be defined subsequently by ministerial ordinance. The law will enter into force on the day following its publication, taking effect with the entry into force of the subsequent State Budget.