Riyadh, Feb 22: Britain has authorised the voluntary departure of dependants of staff and non-essential embassy employees in Saudi Arabia in light of heightened regional tension, the embassy here said today. "The foreign and commonwealth office has authorised the voluntary departure of dependants of staff in the embassy, and of non-essential embassy staff who wish to leave," a fresh message on the embassy website said. The new measure comes two days after a Saudi man shot and killed a briton working for the defense and aerospace Giant Bae Systems in Riyadh, and because of the increasing regional tension and the risk of terrorist action.
The US embassy in Riyadh had already authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel from the embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia.
British ambassador to Saudi Arabia Derek Plumbly has invited British wardens in Riyadh for a meeting later today to discuss the situation. Other meetings will be held in various parts of the kingdom where some 30,000 Britons live.

The foreign office advised Britons yesterday against "All non-essential travel" to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar, and urged those already in the four Arab states to consider leaving.

Bureau Report