Is it permissible to pay 12,000 Saudi Riyals to individuals to process an استقدام (sponsorship/visa) for the mother, knowing that the normal cost for an استقدام is 2,000 Saudi Riyals, and that the father cannot process an استقدام for her due to his profession?

It is permissible to pay money for recruitment, but the ruling on this money differs:

1. If the recipient of the money is an employee of the visa-issuing authority and is performing his duty, then what is paid to him is considered a bribe, which is not permissible to give. However, if the recruit is entitled to the visa and the employee refuses to process it except for a bribe, then the sin falls upon the employee.

2. If the recipient of the money is not an employee of the visa-issuing authority, but rather mediates and exerts effort in that regard, then there is no objection to paying him money for his effort and services.