End of Jewelry Seizures for UAE-India Travelers

UAE–India Travel: End to Jewelry Seizures and Airport Hassles

For Indian citizens living in the United Arab Emirates, an important and reassuring development has occurred: according to a new ruling by India's Delhi High Court, jewelry meant for personal use or inheritance cannot be seized by customs, and travelers cannot be harassed over it at airports.

A long-standing issue: Why was this a problem?

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of returning travelers, especially Indian citizens visiting home from the UAE, reporting unpleasant interrogations and extended waits at Indian airports—simply because they wore or brought their own gold jewelry. Some cases even required invoices for family heirloom jewelry, which is obviously impossible, as these are often inherited through generations.

Court Ruling: A Turning Point in Regulation

This change came about after more than 30 petitions were filed in Indian court, all addressing this issue. The judges clearly stated that unless there is concrete, substantial suspicion, customs officials cannot stop travelers wearing or carrying jewelry for personal use. The court also urged authorities to conduct sensitivity training for airport staff to ensure passengers do not suffer undue stress or humiliation.

What’s the current status of gold imports?

Under the current regulations, an Indian male citizen returning after at least one year can bring 20 grams of gold duty-free, while a female passenger can bring 40 grams, within a specified value limit. The problem is that these rules have not been updated since 2016 and do not cover inherited or used jewelry, whose value, age, and origin are difficult to verify yet hold significant emotional importance for their owners.

The court highlighted the fact that the world gold prices have risen significantly since that time, necessitating an update to the regulations. Consequently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has been tasked to formulate clear guidelines or update the existing directives by May 19. This should precisely address how to handle worn or inherited jewelry, expedite valuation and restitution procedures, and protect travelers from arbitrary actions.

Why is this important for UAE residents?

The court ruling is especially important for the millions of Indian citizens living in the UAE. During wedding seasons and major religious holidays, many travel home carrying family jewelry. Knowing that they no longer have to worry about these items being seized at the airport or undergoing humiliating interrogations is a huge relief.

Following the decision, many hope that needless tensions at airports will decrease, and travel can once again be about the joy of family reunions—rather than how to hide or prove the ownership of personal items.

Conclusion

This decision represents a long-awaited turning point in the handling of personal jewelry and brings genuine relief to the Indian community traveling from the UAE to India. From now on, travelers at airports cannot be routinely harassed simply for wearing a gold bracelet or bringing along an inherited ring. The focus is now on fair and sensitive procedures—as it always should have been.

(The article source is a Delhi High Court statement.)