Julian Assange lives in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and a news report states he may be there for another 9 years until the Swedish extradition request expires. Edward Snowden appears headed for the Venezuelan embassy in Moscow. Who pays for the food and lodging for asylum seekers living in embassies? What happens when these people run out of money?
According to this Assange has spent 9 grand on takeaways, so he clearly has some personal expenses. However, the Ecuadoran ambassador to Britain says “He’s completely in our hands. We’re responsible for him: his safety, housing, food; his health and well being.”
Ultimately the Ecuadorian taxpayer is keeping him, as the expenses involved in maintaining an embassy are down to its nation.