New Financial Rules for UAE NRIs from November 1
<h3><strong>New Rules from November 1: What UAE-Based Indians Must Know About Aadhaar, Banking, GST, and UPI Changes</strong></h3><p>Starting <strong>November 1, 2025</strong>, several new financial regulations in India will come into effect, directly impacting <strong>Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)</strong> living in the <strong>UAE</strong>. These changes will influence how Indians abroad manage their <strong>bank accounts, Aadhaar information, GST payments, and UPI transactions</strong>. For UAE residents with financial ties to India, staying updated is crucial to avoid disruptions and take advantage of new conveniences.</p><p>Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing from November 1 and how it affects you:</p><h3><strong>1. Banking Nomination Rules Simplified</strong></h3><p>The Indian government has introduced amendments to the <strong>Banking Laws Act</strong> to make the nomination process smoother and more transparent. This change aims to minimize disputes over ownership of funds or locker contents after the account holder’s death.</p><p><strong>What’s New:</strong></p><p>You can now name <strong>up to four nominees</strong> for your bank accounts or lockers.</p><p>You can assign <strong>specific percentages</strong> or <strong>shares</strong> to each nominee.</p><p>You can also add <strong>successive nominees</strong>, meaning if one nominee passes away, the next automatically inherits the entitlement.</p><p><strong>Tips for NRIs:</strong></p><p>Make sure your <strong>NRE/NRO account</strong> has updated nomination details.</p><p>Notify your bank of any nomination changes using <strong>online banking or email</strong>.</p><p>Always keep a <strong>copy of your updated nomination form</strong> for personal records.</p><p>This update will help NRIs avoid future legal and financial complications while managing accounts from abroad.</p><h3><strong>2. Aadhaar Update Process and Fees Revised</strong></h3><p>The <strong>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)</strong> has revised both the <strong>fees</strong> and <strong>update process</strong> for Aadhaar cards.</p><p><strong>New Fee Structure:</strong></p><p><strong>Children:</strong> Free biometric updates for one year.</p><p><strong>Adults:</strong> ₹75 for name, date of birth, address, or mobile updates; ₹125 for biometric updates.</p><p>Updates can now be done <strong>online</strong> without submitting physical documents.</p><p><strong>Tips for UAE NRIs:</strong></p><p>Parents in the UAE can update their children’s Aadhaar online to avoid travel delays.</p><p>Make sure your <strong>Aadhaar address and mobile number</strong> are current — it’s essential for <strong>banking, UPI, and verification</strong> purposes.</p><p>These changes make it easier for NRIs to maintain valid Aadhaar details remotely, improving access to Indian financial and digital services.</p><h3><strong>3. GST Slabs Overhauled</strong></h3><p>India’s <strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST)</strong> structure is undergoing a significant reform starting November 1.</p><p><strong>What’s Changing:</strong></p><p>The system will shift from <strong>four GST slabs to two main slabs</strong>, plus a special category.</p><p>The <strong>12% and 28% slabs</strong> will be removed.</p><p>A <strong>40% GST rate</strong> will apply to luxury and “sin” goods (like high-end vehicles, tobacco, and alcohol).</p><p><strong>Tips for NRIs:</strong></p><p>When shopping online from Indian websites or sending goods home, expect higher prices on luxury products.</p><p>Check updated GST rates before making large purchases or shipping items internationally.</p><p>This move simplifies the tax system while aligning it with global standards.</p><h3><strong>4. Paytm UPI Now Available for NRIs</strong></h3><p>In a major relief for the Indian diaspora, <strong>Paytm</strong> now supports <strong>UPI payments</strong> for NRIs from <strong>12 countries</strong>, including the <strong>UAE</strong>.</p><p><strong>How to Start:</strong></p><p>Download the <strong>Paytm app</strong>.</p><p>Log in using your <strong>UAE mobile number</strong>.</p><p>Verify via SMS and link your <strong>NRE or NRO account</strong>.</p><p>Set your <strong>UPI PIN</strong> and start using it instantly.</p><p><strong>Benefits for UAE NRIs:</strong></p><p>Send money to family in India instantly with <strong>no forex fees</strong>.</p><p>Pay Indian merchants, scan <strong>UPI QR codes</strong>, or <strong>shop online</strong> easily.</p><p>Transfer money between <strong>NRE/NRO accounts</strong>.</p><p>Track expenses using <strong>Paytm’s spending tools</strong> like <strong>Paytm Playback</strong>.</p><p>Supported countries include: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, and the US.</p><h3><strong>5. Pension and Life Certificate Deadlines</strong></h3><p>The deadline to switch from <strong>National Pension System (NPS)</strong> to <strong>Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)</strong> is extended to <strong>November 30, 2025</strong>.</p><p>Retired government employees must submit their <strong>Life Certificates</strong> by the end of November to continue receiving pensions.</p><p><strong>Tip for NRIs:</strong><br>Submit your Life Certificate online through your Indian bank or the <strong>Jeevan Pramaan portal</strong> to avoid interruptions in pension payments.</p><h3><strong>6. Credit Card and Locker Updates</strong></h3><p>New updates affect <strong>credit card fees</strong> and <strong>locker rent</strong> across Indian banks.</p><p><strong>SBI Cards:</strong> A <strong>1% fee</strong> applies to education payments via apps like <strong>CRED</strong> or <strong>MobiKwik</strong>, and wallet recharges above ₹1,000.</p><p><strong>PNB Lockers:</strong> Locker rent reduced nationwide, effective 30 days after the announcement.</p><p><strong>Tip for NRIs:</strong><br>Monitor your Indian credit card transactions for new service fees, and check updated locker rent if you maintain one in India.</p><h3><strong>Bottom Line for UAE-Based Indians</strong></h3><p>From <strong>November 1, 2025</strong>, multiple financial updates will reshape how NRIs interact with Indian banks and digital systems. UAE residents should:</p><p>Update <strong>nominations and Aadhaar details</strong> promptly.</p><p>Use <strong>Paytm UPI</strong> for instant, cost-effective payments.</p><p>Stay informed about <strong>GST, pension, and card fees</strong>.</p><p>By keeping track of these updates, NRIs can manage their Indian financial activities smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications while living abroad.</p>