The recent suspension of the remittance sending service to Cuba through Western Union generated great concern among countless Cuban families, according to official media on the island.
This decision, according to the authorities, is due to the new sanctions imposed by the United States Government, reaffirming its policy of "tightening" towards the island.
Western Union reported that the service interruption takes place "with immediate effect" due to changes in U.S. sanctions regulations.
The company responsible for processing remittances, Orbit SA, was included in Cuba's Restricted Entities List following former President Donald Trump's return to the White House.
According to Cuba, from his first day in office, Trump reactivated a series of restrictive measures that affected Cuba's trade and finances, reversing decisions made by the Joe Biden administration.
Subsequently, the Secretary of State, Cuban-American Marco Rubio, announced the reinstatement of Orbit SA to the list, stating that this company operates on behalf of the Cuban military forces.
Western Union in Cuba: brake on remittances from the United States
The State Department confirmed this week the update of Cuba's Restricted Entities List, which implies the prohibition of direct financial transactions with these entities.
Western Union had already suspended its operations in 2020, during the first Trump administration, when the financial company Fincimex was also sanctioned. In 2022, the service was restored with restrictions and, once again, was interrupted due to technical problems.
The Cuba Restricted Entities List was removed on January 16 through National Security Memorandum 29 (NSM-29).
However, on January 20, Trump signed an Executive Order that invalidated said resolution, marking a return to the maximum pressure policy on Cuba.
The restrictions imposed, according to the Cuban government, will limit residents in the United States from sending financial aid to their families on the island, worsening the situation of many Cuban families who depend on these remittances for their livelihood.
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How horrible, there are those who voted for Trump, mostly Cubans. Who do they think they are harming? No words needed.
Few will be affected in Cuba; they will continue sending cash with the mules, once again outside the control and supervision of both governments.
reality
the big shots: my dollars ahhhhh?????
The modern pirates of the 21st century.
Bad boy, if you don't do what I tell you, I am going to punish you and you won't be able to go out to play.
What a lack of respect and arrogance.