Tourist companies paying money to officials to issue Hajj visas

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Q 9: Some tourist agencies organize Hajj and `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) trips. They have to pay some money to the officials to get Hajj visas; otherwise, they would not get them. This money is not given in an official way and is not for certain procedures for getting Hajj visas; is this money considered a bribe, and if it is, is it not permissible for us to perform Hajj by means of these travel agencies or will they hold the responsibility even if we know what they do?

A: This money paid is considered a bribe, therefore, it is not permissible to deal with them, given that there are many other travel agencies. (Part No. 23; Page No. 551) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.