Is it legal to send money to Afghanistan?

The regulation's language is designed to strike a balance between facilitating necessary financial transactions and adhering to international sanctions aimed at disrupting terrorist financing and illicit activities. By allowing for the transfer of personal remittances, it helps to maintain economic stability and support the livelihoods of Afghans.

The GL 16 regulation allows United States citizens and entities to participate in financial transactions that are considered routine and essential for the transfer of non-commercial, personal remittances. This provision covers a wide range of transactions, including those that may involve Afghan depository institutions.

Importantly, the regulation acknowledges that such transactions might involve entities or individuals associated with the Taliban or the Haqqani Network. This recognition is crucial in ensuring that individuals and businesses can continue to conduct legitimate financial activities in Afghanistan despite the complexities of the region's political landscape.

It is essential to note that the authorization under GL 16 is not a blanket exemption from all sanctions related to the Taliban or the Haqqani Network. Rather, it provides a framework for engaging in specific types of transactions that are deemed necessary and incidental to the transfer of personal remittances.

In addition to the authorization for personal remittances, there are other measures in place to combat terrorist financing and illicit activities in Afghanistan. These include targeted sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, and other terrorist organizations.