Sending Money to Afghanistan

Many Americans and Afghans living in the United States are sending money to friends and family in Afghanistan. With the fall of the Afghan government and the rise to power of the Taliban, the mechanisms for sending money to Afghanistan were curtailed or restricted. Western Union and MoneyGram International had initially suspended services after the Taliban took power in Kabul and across Afghanistan.

Sending money to friends and family in Afghanistan has become increasingly important as the Afghan economy tanks, at-risk Afghans lose their jobs and flee their homes, and food becomes more scarce.

As of early winter, the restrictions have lifted and it is now possible to send small amounts of money to Afghanistan. In addition, there is less concern of violating United States rules and regulations with some new guidance issued by the U.S. government.

U.S. Treasury Guidance. A public authorization has been issued allowing Afghans living in the United States to send money to their families through legal money transferring and banking channels. This measure protects individuals and financial institutions from US sanctions on the Islamic Emirate of Aghanistan. (official notice, PDF, two pages, Dec 10, 2021).

News Reports on Sending Money to Afghanistan

December 12, 2021. "IEA welcomes US decision to allow transfer of personal remittances to Afghanistan", Ariana News.

December 10, 2021. "U.S. formalizes guidance allowing personal remittances to flow to Afghanistan", Reuters.