The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking new measures to maintain the security of the Kingdom’s representatives and embassy staff.

Undersecretary for Consulate Affairs Ambassador Osama Al-Sanousi said employees who work in troubled areas are not permitted to stay there for more than two years at any given time.

He said employees in risky areas receive extra benefits such as a risk stipend, while the embassy also takes extra precautions to make sure that necessities related to safety and security are available in all embassies, as well as in the residences of its staff.

He pointed out that the Saudi Embassy nominates a number of residential areas, which are visited by a special security committee to evaluate the level of safety, and to add whatever is needed such as fences and surveillance cameras. The embassy also contracts private security companies if the need arises.

The official described Saudi diplomats as soldiers, saying that “Our sons work and sacrifice themselves in any place that they are sent to.