Q: We heard that it is permissible to guarantee Indians, Pakistanis, and so on to reside in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia in exchange for a sum of money with the understanding that this person is one's driver, cook, and so on while in actual fact they are not, and it is only a matter of deceiving the authorities. It may be important to mention that the people who are guaranteed may be Kafirs (disbelievers) or Muslims. However, some people claim that your Eminence is the one who permitted such a practice. Thus, we would like to ascertain this and inquire about the whole matter. We hope that you will provide us with your beneficial answer. Please let this answer be in writing.

A: If the reality is exactly as what is mentioned in the question, it is not permissible for anyone to bring workers claiming that they will work for them, while they will work for other people. Also, that the person who brought them will be paid, for instance, five hundred Riyals each in exchange for guarantying them. The reason for this is that such money is taken from the worker for no return and so this is tantamount to devouring a person's substance wrongfully. This practice also entails lying, (Part No. 14; Page No. 189) opposing the ruler, and violating regulations established by the state that prohibit this practice for the sake of safeguarding public interest. This practice opens the way for many accidents to take place in the country because of the large amount of corrupted workers. On the other hand, neither the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' nor myself have ever issued any Fatwa that this practice is permissible. Whoever claims other than this is either mistaken or a liar. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.