Goans returning to Goa are fed up with harassment by customs officials over gold ornaments. Even passengers using the Green channel face trouble if they’re wearing a single gold chain or ring. Customs officials ask numerous questions, demand receipts, and if the receipt is missing, the harassment starts until a bribe is paid or “arrangements” are made.
People go abroad to work hard for their families, and when they return home after years, they may bring gold ornaments as gifts for their wives, daughters, and daughters-in-law. However, customs officials at Goa airport often cause significant delays and distress for these passengers, who find themselves stuck at the airport for hours. Family members waiting outside worry as to why they are not being allowed to leave.
Women often wear gold jewellery for marriage functions in Goa, and it shouldn’t be a big issue as customs make it out to be. While it’s understandable to pay customs duty on gold biscuits, bars, and coins, gold chains or rings should not be a concern. Customs officials need to stop harassing passengers and Indian citizens for personal gold jewellery and focus on catching real criminals. Hardworking individuals from the Gulf and Europe deserve respect and a hassle-free return home to keep their families happy in Goa.
