Is it permissible to transfer zakah from one country to another?

Question:
The questioner asks: Is it permissible to transfer zakah from one country to another?

Answer:
It depends on the need. If the country where the money is located has no poor people, or has no Muslims, then it is transferred to the Muslims, to the poor Muslims in another country. Or if the country to which it is transferred is in greater need and greater poverty, then it is transferred there. However, if the people of the country where the money is located are in need and are Muslims, they are more deserving. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . And because the poor people in the country look at this money and hope for its zakah, so if they are deprived of it, there is harm in that for them and it affects them, so they are more deserving of it.