Ibn Bazz: recruit non­Muslims from abroad for employment?

Q 8: What is your opinion on the companies that recruit non­Muslims from abroad for employment? 

A : It is not permissible to bring non­Muslim employees to the Arabian Peninsula. This is against the Messenger's (peace be upon him) order to get the disbelievers out of it. He (peace be upon him) said, Two religions should not coexist in it [the Arabian Peninsula]. This order was implemented by `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). We have stressed this point many times in the radio broadcast program Nur `Ala Al­Darb, newspaper articles and special letters to the concerned authorities, may Allah guide them to what is best. It is not permissible for non­Muslims to live in this Peninsula due to the reasons mentioned above, except for a pressing need, like vendors who sell imported goods and non­Muslim envoys coming as representatives of their countries to meet with top officials in this Peninsula. However, it is not permissible to allow them permanent residence in this country. 

Also, it is not permissible to give them citizenship, as this will facilitate their permanent residence, due to the Messenger's (peace be upon him) command mentioned earlier. Any non­Muslim who is permitted to enter the country must be prevented from publicly practicing their religious rites. 

Bringing them to the Arabian Peninsula for employment is not permissible. Rather, Muslims are to beware of them and to dispense with them by appointing Muslim workers. Muslims should be given priority to occupy all vacancies. However, in some special cases, this restriction can be lifted when there is an extreme necessity deemed by those in authority. Therefore, non­Muslims may be recruited to take jobs or professions that Muslims cannot do. Upon completing such tasks, they are to be returned to their countries. The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted the Jews to stay in Khaybar when there was a need for that. Then they were expelled by `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when there presence was no longer justified.