noun

repatriation

ree-pay-tree-AY-shun/ˌriːˌpeɪtriˈeɪʃn/

The return of someone or something to the country of origin.

The sculpture's repatriation returns it from the overseas museum to Egypt.

Repatriation shown as an Egyptian sculpture leaving its original setting, appearing in an overseas museum, and returning to its matching body in Egypt.

Etymology

reLatinback

+patriLatinnative land

+ationLatinaction or process

The pieces describe a return to one's native land. The noun names that return or restoration as a process, matching the sending of people or things back to their home country.

In context

Highline College40:21

NOW YOU HAVE THIS ISSUE OF REPATRIATION. WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS WHO WANT TO GO HOME TO REPATRIATE.

Agency and Agencies: Black Panther and King Leopold's Killmonger

More examples

The museum agrees to the repatriation of artifacts to their country of origin.
The family requests the repatriation of her remains for burial.
The company faces taxes on the repatriation of overseas profits.

Forms

repatriation · repatriations

repatriate verb — To return people or things to their homeland.

Similar words

return: Return need not involve going back to a home country.
restitution: Restitution emphasizes restoring property to its owner, not its country.