Pre-Departure Guide for Indian Workers
Everything you need to prepare before boarding your flight from India to the Gulf: packing essentials, prohibited customs items, airport protocols, and emergency welfare contacts.
💼 Carry in Your Hand Luggage (Never in Check-in Baggage)
- ✓ Original Indian Passport: Keep handy along with boarding pass.
- ✓ Printed Employment Entry Visa: Carry at least 3 color printouts.
- ✓ Signed Employment Offer Letter / Contract: Proof of legal employer sponsorship.
- ✓ Original GAMCA Medical Fitness Slip: Required at destination airport health counters.
- ✓ Employer Contact & Airport Pickup Letter: Name and phone number of the company PRO / airport driver receiving you.
🚫 Strictly Prohibited by GCC Customs Laws
GCC customs and narcotics laws are extraordinarily strict. Bringing prohibited items carries severe penalties, heavy fines, immediate deportation, or long prison sentences:
- • Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): Completely prohibited across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Do not bring raw or cooked food containing poppy seeds.
- • Banned / Narcotics Medications: Painkillers containing tramadol, codeine, or sleeping sedatives without an attested doctor's prescription are treated as controlled substances.
- • Betel Leaf & Areca Nut (Paan / Gutkha): Banned across all GCC airports.
- • Pork Products & Alcohol: Prohibited from entering through baggage.
- • Never Carry Baggage for Strangers: Never agree to carry parcels, packets, or envelopes for anyone at the airport.
What Happens on Arrival at Destination Airport?
1. Immigration Control: Present your passport, printed visa, and board card. An immigration officer will capture biometrics (eye retina scan and fingerprints) and stamp your entry permit.
2. Baggage Claim & Customs Scan: Collect your checked bags and pass through customs X-ray scanners.
3. Airport Reception: Exit the arrivals hall and look for your company representative holding a signboard with your employer's name or your name.
4. Camp / Accommodation Transfer: The company driver transports you to the designated staff accommodation where your room, bedding, and initial orientation are provided.
Indian Embassy & Worker Welfare Helplines
Save the 24/7 Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) toll-free helplines before flying:
Have Questions About Your Upcoming Flight?
Our Mumbai departure coordinators are available to answer your luggage, customs, and arrival queries on WhatsApp.