UAE-India Travel: Delhi Court Halts Jewellery Checks
Indian expats travelling from the UAE can now expect a smoother arrival in India, as the Delhi High Court has ruled against routine jewellery checks and harassment by customs officials. The decision comes after over 30 petitions revealed that many passengers—especially NRIs—were being stopped for wearing personal or inherited jewellery.
The court stated that unless there’s a specific reason, customs should not detain travellers over jewellery meant for personal use. It also ordered sensitivity training for airport staff to ensure respectful treatment.
This move is a relief for expats travelling home for weddings or festivals. Many previously shared frustrating experiences of being questioned or held for wearing family heirlooms.
Current rules allow duty-free gold within limits—40g for women and 20g for men—but don’t clearly address inherited or used jewellery. The court has asked the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to revise these rules or issue a clear SOP by May 19.
The ruling aims to balance security with dignity, easing anxiety for thousands of UAE-based Indians travelling home each year.
