Saudi- Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess status of illegal residents 

(MENAFN - Arab News) In a discussion on the annual report of the ministry of foreign affairs held late Monday, the foreign affairs committee in the Shoura council requested the ministry and other government authorities to discuss illegal residency in Saudi Arabia and seek solutions.

But other members in the council said this issue should be handled by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor.

In addition, several Shoura Council members asked Saudi embassies to conduct social and cultural media campaigns to confront the campaigns against the country and to improve the Saudi's image abroad.

The economic and energy committee on the Council asked the government and the private sector to find out the reasons behind obstacles the government schemes and projects meet.

While discussing the 2011 annual report of the ministry of economics and planning, a committee member said, "The ministry of economics holds responsibilities that require competence and qualified staff to set up the economic policies and plans. Besides, capable programs and structures, to follow up the development programs and projects, are necessary."

Council members inquired about the ability of the ministry to set up development plans and administer the economy of the country while stumbling in solving its issues. They also wondered whether to appoint qualified citizens in available vacancies in the ministry.

While discussing the amendments in officers and soldiers service rules, the security committee recommended to add infection and danger allowance to the soldiers' salaries that are equal the salaries of officers.

The committee said in a statement released after the session, that the rules need no amendments because they are set up after careful consideration by experts in the military service council. The committee decided to discuss other opinion and suggestions in the next session.