Western Union shipments to Cuba reported affected

Remittance shipments to Cuba, traditionally sent through the U.S. company Western Union, could be limited following measures adopted by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

For this reason, money transfers to Cuba may be temporarily affected, and only from certain branches, as Western Union is carrying out technological work to comply with the new OFAC regulations. The multi-million dollar US company informed the CiberCuba website that transfers to Cuba will continue, but they may be affected by the Treasury Department's measures.

"Western Union is updating its operating systems to comply with the U.S. government restrictions that went into effect on October 9. During this update, our services may be temporarily impacted in some locations," Paula Barifouse, Western Union's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, told the media.

On October 9, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) implemented a series of measures restricting remittances and financial transactions with Cuba as part of a policy to strengthen the embargo. As of March 9 of this year, family remittances sent to Cuba must not exceed $1000 in a quarter, while the category of "personal donations" has been prohibited.

Regarding the changes announced by Cuban government officials regarding the possibility of Western Union now making payments in foreign currencies and not just in CUC, Barifouse explained that the money deliveries to the beneficiaries residing on the island will continue to be in Convertible Pesos (CUC).

The official apologized for any inconvenience the measures currently being taken may cause and explained that work is being done to prevent further complications. Service has now been restored in some locations.

"We are working diligently to implement updates as soon as possible, in line with our commitment to providing customers with fast, reliable, and convenient ways to meet their money transfer needs in minutes," the executive said.

Regarding the OFAC provisions, she was extremely clear in stating that from now on, the amount exceeding $1000 per quarter for relatives on the island is prohibited, unlike what occurred until now, when the frequency and amounts had no limit, as Barack Obama had established.

Western Union has been granted OFAC licenses to operate branches in Cuba since 1999, and does so through FINCIMEX, a subsidiary of CIMEX, which is on the State Department's list of Cuban entities restricted from conducting business of any kind with U.S. companies and citizens.

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