UK diplomats no longer get hardship bonus for being posted to Buenos Aires

British diplomats in six locations around the world, including Buenos Aires and Santiago in South America, will no longer get hardship payments for working in dangerous cities.

Bonuses and respite breaks are granted to those working in cities considered risky, like Beirut in Lebanon, or with high crime, such as Pretoria in South Africa, or high air pollution in cities including New Delhi or Beijing.

The UK government has removed Santiago, in Chile, Panama City in Panama, Pyongyang in North Korea, Bamako in Mali, and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to the two south American cities, according to the latest list published last week , external .

The 144 locations still on the list include many trouble spots but also popular holiday destinations such as Bali and Rio De Janeiro, prompting criticism from the Conservatives.

Tory chairman­ Kevin Hollin­rake said civil servants receiving extra pay for working in such areas is unfair on the taxpayer.

The Foreign Office has given civil servants extra payments for working in areas where there is a high level of danger, or high risks to health, for the past 30 years.

They are meant to compensate staff and families for the additional costs and challenges of living overseas in difficult locations and are reviewed regularly.

Factors and risks covered by the allowance include security measures, climate, natural disaster, isolation and other impacts on quality of life.