Applying for a new passport to avoid the new umrah visa fees

Q: All the travel agents are advising to acquire a new passport to avoid the new Umrah Visa fee's. Prominent members of the public are doing the same. In my view this is unethical and haraam. Can you please advise?

A: I also don't encourage anybody.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)