UAE-India Travel: Relief for Passengers Carrying Personal Jewellery
Delhi Court Stops Jewellery Seizures at Airports
The Delhi High Court has ruled against the seizure of personal jewellery from passengers. This move comes after more than 30 petitions highlighted harassment of travellers arriving from UAE-India routes. Passengers often faced questions about gold ornaments, including family heirlooms.
No More Harassment Over Personal or Inherited Jewellery
The court stated that jewellery worn for personal use should not be detained by customs. This includes inherited or gifted items, even if no purchase receipts exist. Travellers should not be treated like offenders for wearing ancestral jewellery.
Customs Officials Must Show Specific Reason
Unless there is clear suspicion, officials should not question passengers over worn jewellery. The court directed airport authorities to stop unnecessary detentions. Staff must respect passengers and avoid causing stress or embarrassment.
Workshops Planned for Customs Sensitivity
Authorities must conduct sensitivity workshops for airport officials across UAE-India routes. These workshops aim to train staff on handling passengers with empathy. No one should feel humiliated for wearing their wedding necklace.
Current Rules Create Confusion for Travellers
Baggage rules from 2016 allow duty-free gold within limited weight and value. Women may carry up to 40 grams and men up to 20 grams. However, the rules ignore inherited or previously owned jewellery, causing inconsistent enforcement.
Court Asks for Updated Guidelines
The High Court asked the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to revise the rules. Officials must release a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by May 19. The SOP should simplify jewellery appraisal and release at airports.
Positive Impact on UAE-India Travellers
Thousands travel between UAE-India every year for weddings and festivals. Many have faced jewellery-related issues at Indian airports. The court’s decision promises smoother travel and peace of mind for returning Indian expats.
End to Profiling and Unfair Detentions
Passengers want to visit family, not face interrogation over their own jewellery. This ruling provides relief and restores dignity to countless Indian travellers journeying home from the UAE.