From what I know, it becomes a very lengthy procedure as legal requirements come into force. The bank can hand over money to a person only after it is sure there will be no other claimants later on. As such they need legal documents as protection. I got to know of this when one of my friends passed away while working in S Arabia. Among the steps one could to take is to first to leave a very minimal balance in your bank account here and keep your savings in your home country. Alternatively, one could leave the ATM pin code with his wife or his parents so that in such a situation they can advise the management of the company here of the code and they can withdraw the amount and send it over. This is what took place with my friend who had passed away. His wife knew the ATM pin code which she gave to the Director of the company. The management withdrew the entire amount from the bank and sent it over. In the latter situation, trust does come into play and then it all depends on what type of company the person was working at or the type of management present. Personally, I do not think the conscience of people has reached such a low level that they would ever think of pocketing the money of a colleague who is longer in the world.