Picture this: You’re returning from Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam to visit family in India. You’re wearing your favorite set of 24K bangles or a gold chain bought in the Kingdom’s souqs. At the airport in Mumbai or Delhi, Customs officers stop you, inspect your jewellery, and threaten confiscation.
This scenario has long created stress for NRIs living in Saudi Arabia, where gold is often purchased due to its purity and lower making charges. But here’s the good news: In 2025, the Delhi High Court ruled that Customs officials cannot seize personal gold jewellery worn by passengers—even if it’s 24K gold (Economic Times).
This ruling is a huge relief for the 2.6 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia, many of whom regularly fly home carrying ornaments for weddings, festivals, or family gifts.
Delhi High Court Rulings That Changed the Rules
● March 2025 – Minor’s Gold Chains: Customs seized 49g of chains from a minor. The Court held that worn jewellery counts as personal effects and cannot be confiscated without due process (Economic Times).
● April 2025 – Warning to Customs: The Court criticized harassment of passengers over jewellery and urged the government to modernize outdated baggage rules with a proper SOP (NDTV via Economic Times).
● August 2025 – The Shamina Case (Turning Point): A woman returning from Riyadh with 100g of 24K bangles had them seized. The Court ruled that purity has no link with baggage rules—worn jewellery is a personal belonging, and Customs must offer due process (duty/fine option) instead of outright seizure (Economic Times, LiveLaw).
Legal experts confirm: Customs cannot routinely detain personal jewellery worn by passengers, regardless of value or purity (TaxTMI).
What This Means for NRIs in Saudi Arabia
■ Worn ornaments = safe: Jewellery worn on the body cannot be confiscated.
■ Purity is irrelevant: 22K or 24K, both are allowed as personal effects.
■ Due process is required: In case of dispute, officers must issue written notice and hearing rights.
■ Bills help but aren’t mandatory: Family heirlooms or older jewellery don’t need invoices.
Indian Customs Rules for Gold (Quick Guide)
According to the CBIC Baggage Rules, 2016 (CBIC Official , Referencer):
● Duty-Free Allowance (after 1 year abroad)
• Men: Up to 20g jewellery (worth ₹50,000)
• Women: Up to 40g jewellery (worth ₹100,000)
● When Duty (~36% effective) Applies
• Gold bars/coins carried as baggage
• Jewellery carried in baggage (not worn) beyond allowance
Special Note for Saudi NRIs
● Best practice: Wear your jewellery instead of packing it.
● Declare honestly: If carrying additional jewellery in luggage, declare it to avoid penalties.
● Check Saudi rules too: Ensure compliance when taking jewellery out of Saudi Arabia.
● Market tips: Riyadh and Jeddah souqs are popular for 22K and 24K designs—carry receipts for recent purchases.
How to Protect Yourself While Traveling
● Always wear your ornaments instead of packing.
● Keep invoices for new purchases; explain heirlooms if asked.
● Declare excess jewellery beyond duty-free limits.
● If stopped, ask for a written notice and hearing—do not hand over jewellery casually.
● Stay calm: purity alone cannot justify seizure under the High Court’s guidance.
What Lies Ahead
The Delhi High Court has urged the government to update outdated baggage rules and issue a modern Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Customs. Until then, travellers from Saudi Arabia to India are protected by these rulings (Khaleej Times).
FAQs for Saudi Arabia NRIs
Do I have to pay duty on jewellery I’m wearing?
No. Worn jewellery is treated as personal effects, not liable for duty.
How much gold is duty-free?
Men: 20g (₹50,000). Women: 40g (₹100,000).
Can Customs seize my jewellery if I have the bill?
Not if you’re wearing it. If it’s in baggage beyond allowance, they may ask for duty.
Are gold bars or coins allowed duty-free?
No. Bars and coins are taxable and not part of jewellery allowance.
What if I don’t declare extra jewellery?
Non-declaration can lead to seizure and penalties. Always declare excess.
Conclusion
For NRIs returning from Saudi Arabia, the 2025 Delhi High Court rulings bring much-needed clarity: Customs cannot seize your personal gold jewellery, regardless of purity. By wearing your ornaments, carrying receipts for new items, and declaring excess when necessary, you can travel with peace of mind. Whether flying from Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, know your rights, stay informed, and enjoy a stress-free homecoming.
