Western Union Recommences Afghanistan Money Transfers and Waives Transfer Fees

Western Union, one of America's most renowned multinational financial services companies which had to suspend all forms of money transfer and payment services in Afghanistan last month as the Taliban took control of the country following the withdrawal of US-NATO forces, has now announced that it will resume its money transfer services into Afghanistan, and it will start from September 3.

The financial services company has stated that it is restarting its money transfer program so that its customers can once again send money and care for their loved ones at this crucial time of financial crisis in Afghanistan. Remittances from Afghans who currently reside abroad can now easily transfer money. The money transfers will be paid out in US dollars or Afghani, based on the type of the transfer as per the sender's requirement.

Western Union has further added that the payouts are available in only select locations based on local operating times, and most of the transfers will happen in the Kabul area. The firm has also confirmed that other outbound services, such as sending money from Afghanistan to other countries will remain suspended at this time.

 

Taliban Go from Pillar to Post as Scarcity of Funds Looms

The Taliban have recently taken over Afghanistan. It has been over a week since the armed group has claimed control over the country. Seemingly there has been a policy shift — from religious fundamentalists to liberals. This indicates that the Taliban plan to form a government in Afghanistan and seek the world leaders’ support, financial support.

A day after Afghanistan was recaptured, the US president Mr. Biden froze funds that belonged to the Ghani government. Clearly, it’s not fun to run a government empty-handed.

The policy shift I am talking about does not necessarily mean that the Taliban are not bad guys anymore. They are reeling under huge debt and need emergency funds to at least kick-start a government they are trying to form. There are talks doing rounds on social media that the Taliban are more liberal now compared to 20 years ago. No, they are seeking funds, hence the liberal move.

Even though world leaders and the Taliban have reached an impasse, there will always be players ready to fund their military movement in the country. But that’s not enough. There’s a clear difference between funding an armed force and funding a government. The Taliban, therefore, will build diplomatic channels with the White House to bypass further hardships.

Meanwhile, the evacuation process has speeded up as the Taliban do not fancy foreign forces extending their stay in the country.