Dramatic Face-Off at Thiruvananthapuram Airport Raises Questions About NRI Gold Rules
Thiruvananthapuram |
A dramatic scene unfolded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday when a woman arriving from Dubai refused to pay customs duty on the 15 sovereigns (approximately 120 grams) of gold jewellery she was carrying—and left the ornaments behind in protest.
The passenger, believed to be a middle-aged woman from Kollam, was stopped at the customs counter upon arrival on an Emirates flight. Customs officials informed her that she would need to pay a 36% import duty, amounting to over ₹2 lakh, for carrying undeclared gold.
💬 “This is My Personal Jewellery”
Eyewitnesses said the woman argued loudly with customs officers, insisting that the jewellery was her personal possession and had been originally taken from India during a previous trip abroad to visit relatives. She claimed it should not attract customs charges.
However, officials clarified that under Indian law, travellers must present valid export documentation—such as a jewellery export certificate—if they wish to bring gold back without duties. In the absence of such proof, standard import rules apply.
Additionally, she had not stayed abroad for over six months, which is a minimum requirement for duty exemption under certain conditions.
🧳 Anger, Ornaments, and Airport Security
In frustration, the woman allegedly threw her baggage and gold ornaments toward the officers, according to airport sources. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was alerted immediately and monitored the situation closely.
She later returned with family members to speak with customs officials again, making emotional appeals to release the jewellery. However, authorities stood firm—stating that unless the due duty was paid or the gold was taken back abroad, the ornaments could not be released.
Eventually, the woman left the airport with her family, without collecting the gold. Officials have not yet confirmed if legal proceedings will be initiated.
🚨 Why This Matters:
The incident has reignited debate over India’s strict customs rules on gold, particularly for returning NRIs. Many are unaware that personal jewellery, if carried without export proof, can still attract high duties—especially if the traveller has spent less than six months abroad.
