Resolution No.(308)(3/2022) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
"Ruling on Selling Work Permits"
Date: (24/ Sha`ban/1443 AH), corresponding to (27/3/2022 AD)
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all His family and companions.
At its 3rd meeting held on the above date, the Board received the following question: What is the ruling of Sharia on selling work permits?
After deliberating, the Board arrived at the following decision:
Work permits of expatriate workers are governed by the laws and regulations of the ministries concerned; therefore, they are to be observed since breaking them leads to general harm that affects the country`s economic situation and the labor market. These laws and regulations should be adhered to because they were originally made to prevent exploitation of human beings and labor trafficking, in addition to combating corruption that could take place in this sector.
Accordingly, it isn`t allowed for an employer to sell work permits because these stipulate specific conditions regarding the worker as well as the type of work, so selling them is a clear violation of these conditions. This is in addition to the fact that selling a permit is selling a property that the employer doesn`t actually own since the relevant ministry is the only authority entitled to grant this right, and , in principle, an employer should abide by the terms of the contract. The evidence on this is that Almighty Allah Says {What means}: "O ye who believe! fulfil (all) obligations."{Al-Ma`idah/1}. Moreover, the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The Muslims will be held to their conditions." {Related by Tirmithi}. It can be added that selling these permits could lead to corruption and preying on the need of workers to make a living. Therefore, conditions stipulated in these work permits should be adhered to. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Abdulkareem al-Khasawneh
Dr. Mohammad al-Khalayleh/ Member
Dr. Mahmoud al-Sartawi/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi/ Member
Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodat/ Member
Prof. Amjad Rasheed/Member
Dr. Jamil Khatatbeh/ Member
Dr. Ahmad al-Hasanat/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Younis Al-Zou`bi/ Member