Saudi Arabia is open to the idea of having women serving as the nation's ambassadors in foreign countries, a top official said.

“Women can fill these senior positions as long as they have the qualifications to do so,” Osama Nugali, spokesman of the Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying in an Arab News report.

The issue will come up for discussion at an upcoming meeting of ministry officials and the Shoura Council, he added.

He said the ministry has been employing Saudi women for the past 10 years, with more than 370 working abroad as undersecretaries or attaches. The ministry is inviting women seeking jobs in the diplomatic corps from January 18 to 30, he added.

After receiving applications on mofa.gov.sa, the ministry will conduct interviews and written examinations on February 15 and 16 at Imam Muhammad Islamic University in Riyadh.

The regulations stipulate that applicants have to be Saudi, have good character, not convicted for breach of honour or trust, and not have been sacked from government service. Another condition is that an applicant should not be married to a non-Saudi, Nugali added.

An applicant should have a bachelor’s degree at very good grade and not be above 30. Those seeking employment as a second secretary should not be above 35 and have a master’s degree at a very good grade, said the Arab News report.

Selected candidates will have to undergo training of six months at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh with a monthly stipend of SR1,500 ($400), it added.