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

Tourists from across Micras are welcome to visit the South Sea Islands. Three categories of tourist visas are currently issued:

• Standard: applicants must apply at least one month in advance. This applies to nationals of all nations that do not have a diplomatic mission in the Commonwealth.
• Visa upon arrival: citizens of those nations with a diplomatic mission in the South Sea Islands are granted visa upon arrival status. This means that, subject to the standard conditions below, arrivals from eligible nations will be granted a 90 day tourist visa at their port or airport of arrival.
• Visa free: citizens of certain nations are entitled to visit the Commonwealth without a visa, for either a period of 90 days per calendar year or for an indefinite period (for citizens of Nova England only).

All categories of tourist visa adhere to the following principles:

• 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.

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 following diplomatic missions exist in the South Sea Islands:

Embassy	Opened	Visa requirement	Notes
Embassy of the Kingdom of Byalia	1691	Visa upon arrival	Formal diplomatic relations were established to cement friendly relations between the South Sea Islands and the Kingdom of Byalia.
Embassy of Calbion	1691	Visa upon arrival	The historical and cultural ties between the South Sea Islands and Calbion were formalised in 1691 with the opening of an embassy in Joseph Town. Upon the opening of the embassy, a bust of Prince Jack of the Calbain was presented to the newly appointed ambassador by the government of the South Sea Islands.
Embassy of Hurmu	1691	Visa free (90 days per year)	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.
Embassy of the Republic of Mercury	1691	Visa upon arrival	Established in 1691, the Embassy of Mercury in Joseph Town was opened to formalise friendly relations between the two nations.
High Commission of the Kingdom of Nova England in Joseph Town	1501	Visa free (indefinite)	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.
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Sanama	1691	Visa upon arrival	Following the appointment of His Excellency Ambassador Christopher Kulahi, the Embassy was formally opened in 1691.