Sep 2, 2021 - Economy

MoneyGram resumes wire transfer services to Afghanistan

Kate Marino

Afghans queue up as they wait for the banks to open in Kabul on Aug. 31, 2021. Photo: Aamir QURESHI/Getty Images

Wire-transfer provider MoneyGram will resume services to Afghanistan beginning Sept. 2, according to a statement provided to Axios.

Catch up quick: MoneyGram and Western Union both suspended transfers to Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the nation's government in mid-August. The U.S. put sanctions in place against the Taliban in 2001.

Why it matters: Remittances sent from outside the country to Afghanistan are an important economic driver in the country.

What they're saying: "We recognize that remittances play a pivotal role in the livelihood and daily needs of the Afghan people," MoneyGram said in the statement.

"The decision to suspend our services was not made lightly, and we are thankful to be able to reopen our business in the country to help support the people of Afghanistan."
"In making this decision, we followed guidance received from the U.S. government. We are resuming our services in coordination with our partners in the country as well as the Afghanistan Banks Association (ABA)."

Of note: Western Union also said today that it would resume money-transfer services to Afghanistan, per Reuters.

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MoneyGram resumes wire transfer services to Afghanistan

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