What happens when an Aussie dies overseas?

More than 1600 Aussies died overseas in the past year, making for a heartbreaking and often daunting process for families involved.

Kelly Clarke, 24, is one of the most recent tragic Australian deaths to occur in a foreign country.

Within days of arriving in Fiji for holiday, the nurse fell ill and was placed in an induced coma.

By Friday, the Sydney woman had died in hospital.

Read more: 'It just happened so quickly': Sydney nurse Kelly Clarke dies in Fiji

Like thousands of other families, Ms Clarke’s relatives are now faced with the stressful task of getting her body back home.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) explained to 9news.com.au that the turnover process of transporting remains from a foreign country often requires “quick decision making”.

“In some countries and in certain circumstances, local regulations and conditions may require a quick decision on what to do with the remains,” a DFAT spokesman said today.

“Authorities may require an autopsy before a death certificate or other identification can be issued.”

When the deceased returns back home, the remains are assessed and cleared by the biosecurity area of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, and accompanied by official documentation specifying the cause of death.

The spokesman said that in the days after a death, DFAT offers “support and guidance” to families in need.

“We can often help with our knowledge and understanding of the local environment, but we must also work within the legal and administrative processes that apply in the foreign country,” a DFAT spokesman said.

DFAT cannot conduct investigations, or intervene in local legal matters.

They are also unable to become involved in legal issues surrounding the circumstances of the death. 

Further information about deaths overseas can be found on SmartTraveller