Q 2,3: Is it permissible to receive a sum of money in return for sponsoring a foreigner? It is a common practice followed by contractors who bring workers from abroad. To explain, such a contractor agrees with the worker to give him a monthly salary of 60 dinars. However, the former leases the latter to another contractor for a daily wage of 10 dinars of which the first contractor gives the worker two dinars and takes 8 dinars. What is the Islamic ruling thereon?

A: The subject relating to bringing workers from abroad and having them work for other than those who brought them while receiving a fee in return for sponsoring them was submitted to the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on which the council issued this decision: (Part No. 14; Page No. 378) Praise be to Allah and the peace and blessings be upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad, his family and Companions. In response to many and frequent questions submitted to the general presidency of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Ifta', Daw`ah, and Guidance as well as the research prepared by the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, and after discussion and exchange of views, the Council examined the subject of bringing workers from abroad and having them work for other than those who brought them, who will receive in return a common percentage or a defined amount of their salaries. The council came to the decision that employing workers brought from abroad in any way running counter to terms of public interest provided for by the State is forbidden. Moreover, any fees taken by those who bring workers in return for enabling them to work for others is prohibited. In fact, the Qur'an and Sunnah enjoin obeying those in authority in Islamically acceptable commands. Furthermore, employing workers for work that they were not originally brought for results in huge corruption and a great evil for Muslims, which has to be prevented. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.