Selling visas

Q: I wish Your Eminence would guide me to the right path and good deeds. I brought in some foreign workers about eight years ago, and sold the visas to another person here; he was from Pakistan or from Egypt. This was on the basis that he would bring in the workers and they would do whatever work he wanted, meaning, they would not be working with me in my corporation. This was a condition between me and them, and we agreed that they would pay a portion of their salary to me at the end of each month, but this was not binding. I repent to Allah for doing this. Some of the workers have returned to their country, and I do not have their address, and some of them are still here and I do not take any money from them; shall I ask them to forgive me for this deed? (Part No. 13; Page No. 79) My brother was and still is responsible for them and I was his authorized agent. What is the ruling on the money which I have taken for selling the visas and the money I have taken from the workers?I am a fourth-class public servant whose salary is 4462 Riyals. I have to pay for a car and house in installments. Therefore, I can not afford any further installments. This is my financial position.I also used the money I took from the workers in my marriage, and this matter causes me severe pain. Is there any wrong concerning this? Now, with Allah's favor I have a child who represents the turning point in my life. What should I do? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: Selling visas is not permissible, because it involves telling lies, breaking the law and deceiving the authorities, and it is consumption of wealth by means of falsehood. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And eat up not one another’s property unjustly (in any illegal way e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) Accordingly, the money you earned from selling the visas and the money you took from the workers is ill-gotten, so you have to get rid of it and clear yourself of it. You should spend any money that you have obtained by selling visas, (Part No. 13; Page No. 80) in charitable ways such as giving to the poor and building facilities that will benefit the Muslims.Concerning the money which you have taken from the workers themselves each month, you have to return it to them if they are still in the country, or try to send it to them in their country. If you could not find out where they are or send it to them, then give it in charity on their behalf, because this money was deducted from them unlawfully and they were not compensated for it. You have to continue repenting for this action, and never repeat it in the future. Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will compensate him with something better. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.