Indian expats in UAE welcome gold customs rule update in Budget 2026

Indian expats in the UAE have welcomed a game-changing update to gold customs rules following India’s Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1. The value cap set for customs duty-free gold allowance has been scrapped, with only weight limits remaining. As per the new rules, female passengers can carry up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, while male passengers are allowed 20 grams, provided it is carried in bona fide baggage. This move will bring clarity, compliance and ease travel stress, claim Indian expats.

The old rules had tied the same weight limits to value caps of Rs100,000 for women and Rs50,000 for men, figures that became increasingly problematic as gold prices soared since the rules were last updated in 2016. The removal of outdated value caps on duty-free gold jewellery allowances that had caused years of confusion, alleged harassment and unnecessary stress at Indian airports, is hailed as a victory for the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE and across the world.

The change comes months after the Indian Association Sharjah sent a petition to the finance minister in September 2025, demanding the abolition of the outdated rule.