Foreign policy of the South Sea Islands

The Foreign policy of the South Sea Islands falls within the remit of the Legislative Assembly, and is based on the principles of representation, recognition, democratisation, free travel and free trade.

Representation

Due to the small population of the South Sea Islands, and the resultant small size of the diplomatic service, the nation does not appoint ambassadors to individual nations (with the sole exception of the Permanent Representative to Nova England). Ambassadors are appointed to continents or geographical regions with embassies established in key locations, and a single ambassador may have formal responsibility for a number of embassies.

All nations present on Micras are welcome to establish embassies within the South Sea Islands. The South Sea Islands are not a member of any international organisations or military alliances.

Recognition

All nations with territory on Micras are automatically recognised by the Government of the South Sea Islands, along with all undisputed territorial claims. In the event of territorial disputes between other nations, the South Sea Islands maintains a position of neutrality and offers mediation.

While all nations are automatically recognised as legitimate, the legitimacy of governments if decided on a case-by-case basis and oppressive regimes are typically denied recognition.

Democratisation

The Government of the South Sea Islands advocates for democracy, religious and cultural plurality, and human rights (including the rights to private property, free expression and free assembly). As a part of the nation's foreign policy, international aid funding is provided to organisations advocating for these principles.

The South Sea Islands has a generous refugee and asylum policy, and welcomes politically and religiously oppressed individuals from across Micras. Additionally, citizenship may be granted automatically to at-risk individuals in other nations, in order to offer them diplomatic protection and assistance.

Free Travel

Nearly all international travels are entitled to a 90 day tourist visa to enter the South Sea Islands, subject to the following conditions:

• Applications must be made in writing at least one month in advance of the intended arrival date, and an application fee of 50 South Seas Denariis is payable at the time of application.
• The granting of a tourist visa is subject to the successful completion of background and security checks.
• Each individual is entitled to one tourist visa every 12 months.
• Foreign diplomats, military personnel and government employees must declare their occupation when applying for a tourist visa.

Tourists from Nova England and Hurmu are exempt from the requirement to hold a visa for visits of up to 90 days.

Free Trade

The Government of the South Sea Islands is committed to the promotion of free trade and commerce, and therefore welcomes reciprocal tariff-free trade arrangements with all other nations on Micras. Additionally, goods transiting through the South Sea Islands on the way to other destinations are not subject to tariffs, regardless of their origin or destination.

The only exceptions to the above rules are goods or services produced or rendered by unpaid or exploited workers. The import of such goods and services is prohibited, including items brought into the territory of the South Sea Islands for personal use. Goods produced by unpaid workers, or workers who are subject to exploitative labour conditions, are subject to confiscation and destruction.

Additionally, at the discretion of the Legislative Assembly, sanctions may be imposed on named nations.

Diplomatic Missions

As of 1691, the current diplomatic missions exist in the South Sea Islands:

• Embassy of Hurmu- Formal diplomatic relations were established between the South Sea Islands and Hurmu in 1691, following a period of friendly informal relations. The Embassy of Hurmu was the first foreign embassy to be established in Joseph Town.
• High Commission of the Kingdom of Nova England in Joseph Town- established in 1501, the High Commission represents the interests of Nova England in the South Sea Islands and was established shortly after the foundation of the South Sea Islands as a state.