Sending Money To Belarus: Western Union Availability

As of March 24, 2022, Western Union has suspended all financial activities in Belarus. This decision was made in response to Russia's military offensive in Ukraine, which has resulted in conflict-related sanctions that disrupt business and travel. The suspension of services in Belarus includes money transfer operations, which have been halted across all channels. This has reduced the options for sending money to or from Belarus, impacting individuals and businesses alike.

Western Union suspends operations in Belarus

On March 24, 2022, Western Union suspended its operations in Belarus across all channels. The suspension of services in the country was a result of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine. The money transfer provider also halted operations in Russia.

The decision by Western Union, one of the world's largest money transfer firms, added to a growing number of financial, tech, and retail companies leaving Russia in response to the war. The company said in a statement that it "joins the international community in expressing sincere hope for a diplomatic and peaceful resolution."

Western Union's suspension of services in Belarus and Russia has reduced the options for sending money internationally to or from these countries. For customers who sent money to Belarus before March 24, 2022, and whose receivers did not pick up their transfers before that date, the transaction will be refunded. The refunds will be processed within 5-7 business days from March 25, 2022, and will be applied to the original payment method.

Western Union's services in Belarus and Russia remain suspended, and the company does not anticipate resuming its services in these countries in 2022. The suspension of operations is in line with international sanctions and private boycotts against Russia and Belarus due to the conflict.

Money transfer services to and from Belarus suspended

In light of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine, Western Union suspended its operations in Russia and Belarus on March 24, 2022. This decision was made in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions imposed by the European Union and other countries.

The suspension of Western Union's services in Belarus means that money transfers to and from the country are currently unavailable. For customers who sent money to Belarus before March 24, 2022, and whose receivers did not collect their transfers before this date, Western Union will refund the sender. These refunds will be processed within 5-7 business days from March 25, 2022, and will be applied to the original payment method.

Customers who sent money from Belarus to other countries before March 24, 2022, can rest assured that their transfers will be available to their receivers outside of Belarus and Russia at any time. There is no deadline for receivers to collect their funds. However, if a refund is required, customers can contact Western Union's Customer Service Center in Belarus, who can arrange for a refund to be picked up at BSB Bank.

Western Union is not the only money transfer service to halt operations in Belarus. Small World, another leading provider of international money transfers, also suspended all services to Belarus on March 11, 2022. This decision was made in solidarity with Ukraine and to facilitate donations to support Ukrainian refugees.

The suspension of money transfer services to and from Belarus has significantly reduced the options for sending money internationally. It is unclear when Western Union and other providers will resume their operations in the country.

Pending payments to be refunded

On March 24, 2022, Western Union suspended its operations in Belarus across all channels. This means that any pending payments that have not been picked up by the receiver in Belarus will be refunded to the sender from March 25, 2022.

If you sent money via WU.com or the Western Union mobile app, your refund will be applied to your original payment method. Your refund will be processed within 5-7 business days from March 25, 2022.

If you used a Western Union retail location to send your money transfer, you can use your original Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and identification to pick up your refund at any Western Union agent location. Refunded money transfers will be available for pick up from March 25.

If you used a credit card for your transaction, you will need to contact customer care to have the refund processed if the transaction is older than one year.

If you are the sender in Belarus, you can get a money transfer refund at any time from the location of BSB Bank in Belarus. If you are outside of Belarus, you should contact the Western Union Service Center to clarify your refund options.

To cancel a Western Union money transfer, you will need to visit or contact the place of purchase for the money transfer. If the transaction took place at a sending agency, you will need to visit that agency's physical location. If the transaction took place online, you will need to send an email or call the consumer helpline.

You will need to share any necessary information in person, via email, or over the phone. You will need to explain that you are requesting a cancellation and provide an explanation for your request. This is to help avoid or report any potential fraud.

In order to verify your request, you will need to provide the following information: your name, your address, the MTCN number, the sender's name, the amount sent, and the expected payout country. If any of these do not match the information on file, Western Union will be unable to proceed with your request.

Depending on the type of original transaction (cash, check, credit card, etc.) and other factors, you may be required to pay a fee for cancelling the money transfer. Note that it may be possible for the fee to be deducted from your refunded money.

No deadline for receivers to collect funds outside Belarus

On March 24, 2022, Western Union suspended its operations in Belarus across all channels. This means that money transfers sent from Belarus to other countries before March 24, 2022, will be available to the recipients outside Belarus (and Russia) at any time. There is no deadline for receivers to collect their funds outside Belarus.

If you sent money from Belarus before March 24, 2022, and it hasn't been picked up by the receiver, you can request a refund. To do this, contact the Western Union Customer Service Center for customers in Belarus, who can arrange to refund your money for pickup at BSB Bank.

Western Union's suspension of services in Belarus is due to the country's involvement in Russia's military offensive in Ukraine, which has resulted in conflict-related sanctions and business and travel disruptions. As a result, options for sending money to or from Belarus have been significantly reduced.

The suspension of Western Union's services in Belarus is expected to impact individuals and businesses relying on international money transfers. It is unclear when or if Western Union will resume its operations in the country.

Western Union suspends operations in Russia

On March 10, 2022, Western Union announced it was suspending its operations in Russia and Belarus. The decision was made after evaluating internal and external factors, including the consequences for teammates, partners, and customers, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company stands with the world in condemning the "unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine", and has been working to support Ukrainian customers, including those who have been forcibly displaced, by providing fee-free money transfer services and donating to humanitarian relief efforts.

Western Union's suspension of operations in Russia means that it is no longer possible to send money to or from the country through the company. For customers who sent money to Russia before March 24, 2022, and whose receivers did not pick up the transfer before this date, the transaction will be refunded. The original payment method will be refunded within 5-7 business days from March 25, 2022. Alternatively, the sender can use their original MTCN and identification to pick up the refund at any Western Union agent location.

For customers who sent money from Russia to other countries before March 24, 2022, the transfer will be available for the receiver to pick up outside of Russia and Belarus at any time. There is no deadline for receivers to collect these funds. However, if the sender wants or needs to receive a refund, they can contact Western Union's Customer Service Center, who can arrange for the money to be refunded for pickup at Russian Post.

Western Union has stated that they do not anticipate resuming their services in Russia or Belarus in 2022. The company's priorities are the well-being and safety of their employees, as well as continuing to support the people of Ukraine, including the growing number of refugees seeking safety.

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