The new Trump administration has decided to keep US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale as more than 80 politically appointed ambassadors around the country have resigned by Inauguration Day.

According to US laws, before the new administration takes charge of government, ambassadors around the world tender their resignations after which alternative ambassadors are designated.

However, the law does not apply on career diplomats and as David Hale also falls into that category he will complete the term of his appointment.

Earlier, State Department spokesman John Kirby said it was "common" procedure for all politically-appointed ambassadors to step down as a new US administration comes in.

"All political appointees for the Obama administration were directed to submit their resignation and the due date was December 7, and the resignations are to take effect on January 20," Kirby told reporters. "That is common, typical practise ... that's the way it works."

Kirby said, as expected, no career diplomats serving as ambassadors had been asked to resign by the transition team.

-NNI