India Budget 2026: 6 wishes NRIs in UAE have on housing, trade, taxes, jobs

Dubai: As India heads into Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, UAE-based NRIs are watching closely. Here is a clear breakdown of what industry leaders and NRI community representatives say should be on the government’s agenda:

1. Make homes cheaper, easier to buy

Real estate sits at the top of the NRI wishlist. It matters because property remains the most common NRI investment in India, and the housing sector is directly linked to jobs, urban growth, and infrastructure.

What experts are asking for:

• Extension, expansion of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)

• Fresh incentives for first-time buyers

• Easier access to funding

• Policy continuity to protect long-term investments

Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of Signature Global, said, “as we approach the Union Budget 2026, the real estate sector remains optimistic, with expectations focused on sustained policy support to improve housing affordability, ease liquidity constraints, and maintain long-term growth momentum.”

Aggarwal also pointed to long-term potential, saying “according to industry reports, real estate has the potential to contribute up to 15 per cent to India’s GDP by 2047." He said “the extension and reintroduction of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) could provide meaningful relief to aspiring homebuyers, especially first-time buyers.”

Ashok Kapur, Chairman of Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation, described the real estate sector as “a significant contributor to GDP and India’s second-largest employer after agriculture,” and added that “an extension and expansion of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) would provide significant relief to homebuyers,” while stressing the importance of infrastructure development, policy stability, and regulatory clarity.

2. Stability over tax surprises

Markets are not positioned for sweeping tax cuts. Vijay Valecha, CIO at Century Financial said “there is little expectation of a tax cut announcement for income tax or GST, as tax relief was previously granted in 2025,” adding that “markets remain cautious on consumption-led bets.”

Aliasgar Tambawala, Co-CIO at Klay Group, said “the FY27 Union Budget is likely to mark a shift in India’s fiscal framework from fiscal deficit targeting to public debt targeting,” strengthening transparency and credibility. He said “we expect modest fiscal consolidation, with a clear glide path towards a lower debt-to-GDP ratio.”

3. Fix NRI customs rules, especially gold

This is where UAE-based NRIs are pushing for practical reform. Dr. Sahitya K. Chaturvedi, Secretary General of the Indian Business & Professional Council Dubai, said “for NRIs, especially from the UAE, Budget 2026–27 is a chance to align customs and trade policies with global realities.”

He said value-based duty-free gold limits are “increasingly impractical amid volatile prices, causing uncertainty and disputes at ports.” He called for “a shift to a quantity-based allowance—30 grams for NRI passengers and 10 grams for Indian tourists,” saying it would provide “clarity, transparency, and fairness.”

4. Turn trade deals into real business

On trade, Dr. Chaturvedi said “the upcoming Union Budget 2026–27 must focus on converting India’s trade potential into tangible outcomes.” While India has signed multiple agreements, he said “on-ground execution has lagged behind peers like the UAE.” He called for “a robust EXIM framework, export incentives, and support for global manufacturing and technology hubs.”

He added that “capital expenditure in infrastructure, logistics, and urban development should crowd in private investment and strengthen competitiveness.” He said “fiscal consolidation and predictable taxation will reinforce investor confidence,” while stressing that “customs and baggage allowances for NRIs, including duty-free gold, need rationalisation to reflect market realities.”

5. Invest in technology, skilled talent

On technology and human capital, Dr. Chaturvedi said “Union Budget 2026–27 is an opportunity to combine economic growth with human capital development.” He said “India’s Global Capability Centres and emerging tech sectors demand skilled professionals and responsible governance.” He added that “capital expenditure must support infrastructure, renewables, and urban housing, while policy reforms in labour, logistics, and digital governance enhance productivity.”

He said “responsible AI and data governance are critical to maintaining trust,” adding that “predictable taxation, streamlined compliance, and targeted incentives for innovation will attract private investment.” He said policies for NRIs, including “rationalised customs exemptions and duty-free allowances,” should “encourage reverse migration and diaspora engagement.”

NRI wishlist in simple terms

From the perspective of UAE-based NRIs, India Budget 2026 expectations cluster around five core asks:

1. More housing incentives and homebuyer relief

2. Financial stability over any tax-related surprise

3. Rationalised customs rules, including duty-free gold

4. Faster trade agreement execution

5. Deeper investment in technology and skills

Each one connects directly to how confidently you can invest, return, or expand business links with India.