The Shoura's Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said the decision of the council, which was presided over by its Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh, was made in order to clamp down on illegal residents who leave the Kingdom while owing money.

Many runaway domestic aides, who are accused of stealing cash and other valuables from their sponsors, are often sent home via their embassies after detention at government detention camps for a specified period of time.

Al-Ghamdi said workers have an obligation to settle their dues and that sponsors also need to settle any outstanding money they may owe to their workers when they leave the Kingdom on final exit visas.

On a suggestion from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the council also agreed to establish the permanent headquarters for the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh.

Al-Ghamdi said the Cabinet decided to establish the headquarters two years ago. “The idea is to improve the diplomatic skills of those in the Kingdom's overseas service by providing them with necessary training in research, foreign relations and international issues,” said Al-Ghamdi.

The Institute of Diplomatic Studies was launched in 1988 by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal in Jeddah. Four years later it shifted to the Foreign Ministry in Riyadh where diplomats from the Kingdom and other Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries are given training.

The house also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to set up online services between the ministry and Saudi missions in Asia and Africa to assist people who seek the ministry' help when abroad.

Going through the Customs Department’s annual report, the house recommended improved Customs services by introducing better facilities and developing human resources.

Members also suggested that formation of a practical mechanism to coordinate activities between the Customs Department and the General Ports Authority.

Members also felt that the Customs should liaise with relevant governmental organizations to prevent the smuggling of contraband and counterfeit goods through the Kingdom’s air, sea and land entry points. They also suggested that the two parties facilitate the smooth loading and unloading of goods at the Kingdom's seaports and airports, Al-Ghamdi noted.

Reviewing the annual report of the Saudi Credit and Savings Bank, the house recommended an increase in capital and requested the bank offers lending facilities proportionately for constructive social projects.

Al-Ghamdi said decisions taken on Monday would be submitted to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for ratification.