Background

The measures were announced on September 6, indicating that they would take effect from today. These measures constitute another step by the Trump administration to tighten the blockade against Cuba and try to suffocate it economically.

Measures

The measures are organized into four groups:

Family remittances

The amount of money a person subject to U.S. law can send to Cuba as a family remittance is limited to $1,000 per quarter. The sender can make several shipments, but in a consecutive period of three months the total amount cannot exceed 1,000 USD.

The new measures prohibit sending family remittances to members of Cuba’s government and Party members. In both cases, remittances to close relatives are also prohibited.

Remittances to self-employed and NGOs

Remittances are allowed to the self-employed and no limit is set. According to the measures, a self-employed worker is any Cuban citizen who meets any of the following criteria:

• Being an owner or worker of a private or individual business
• Being an independent contractor or consultant
• Being a peasant who works his own land
• Being a peasant who works land in usufruct and sells products under supply/demand

The measures also authorize remittances, without limit, to individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that, according to the text, help promote a rapid and peaceful transition to democracy and strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Donations

Remittances for donations are not permitted.

U-Turn Transactions

Banking institutions subject to U.S. law are ordered not to process Cuba-related banking transactions that originate and terminate outside the United States.

Recommendation

If you work online and have clients in the United States, or are hired by an agency in that country, it is important that you make them aware of these new measures.

It is better to proactively inform your situation regarding these measures and give a professional image, than your client or employer discover them and flee full of doubts.