The suspension came into effect on February 5 and will affect thousands of Cuban families who depend on money transfers, according to media reports. These transfers are a vital source of income for many Cubans, and families are expected to face difficulties in obtaining financial support from abroad, which may lead to the growth of informal transfer channels such as couriers and P2P applications (transfers without the involvement of banking structures).
Photo: ru.freepik.com
Western Union stated that it is obliged to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which it operates, but did not specify the time frame for the resumption of services. The suspension comes amid growing tensions between the United States and Cuba.
Western Union had previously suspended services in Cuba in 2020 due to sanctions, but resumed them in 2023. This measure is causing concern among the Cuban diaspora, who are now looking for alternative ways to support their families on the island.
We recently wrote that in 2024, the SBP provided a record number of payments and transfers in Russia.
