PURPOSE OF THE XUANDE-XIPHOIAN EMBASSY PROGRAMMEFostering an open system of governance, Xuande-Xiphoi invites foreign governments to establish diplomatic and consular representation inside Xuande-Xiphoi in accordance with international laws and conventions. Xuande-Xiphoi expects foreign diplomatic posts in our nation, in exchange for the privileges and support that they receive, to represent the sending state or organisation in good faith. We expect the foreign post to provide quality services to it's nationals and citizens who seek their service in our nation. We hope that the sending state will also use the opportunity of a diplomatic post in Xuande-Xiphoi, through the offices of its attaches, to advance the sending state's positive relations with Xuande-Xiphoi on matters political, economic, and cultural. In exchange, the Government of Xuande-Xiphoi will foster a productive relationship that serves both nations.
The Republics & Kingdom of Xuande-Xiphoi is a sovereign amalgamation of twenty-three Republics and a Kingdom, these states having collectively asserted matters of foreign affairs since January 1, 1899. The national government is the Xuande-Xiphoian Government. There is a seperation of powers between the branches of government, and between the National Government and the 100 Regional Government Authorities.
Full information about the Republics & Kingdom can be found
at this link.
CHAPTER 1
HEADS OF MISSIONXuande-Xiphoi requires, in line with diplomatic convention, requires each Ambassador-designate or equivalent to personally present to the Introducer of Ambassadors at the Office of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a request for the necessary agrément to be granted by the Xuande-Xiphoian Government for the new Ambassador proposed.
Through the Office of Protocol, inform the Xuande-Xiphoian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by means of a Note Verbale, of the date and time of arrival, means of transport and accompanying persons. In the same Note Verbale, a date shall be requested to submit the Required Copies of the Letters of Credence.
It is required that Ambassadors arrive at Revnami Kingsley International Airport between the hours of 0700h and 1300h local, to receive the compliments upon arrival from a senior executive staff member of the Office of Protocol. Generally, this person will be a career Xuande-Xiphoian Ambassador on posting domestically in Xuande-Xiphoi. The staff member will escort the Ambassador and entourage to the Ministry’s VIP Lounge at the airport, and can organise a limousine transfer to the Embassy (at the Government of Xuande-Xiphoi’s expense.)
The Ambassador-designate will be required to present their Letters of Credence at the next Credentials Ceremony. Please note that the Ambassador-designate’s diplomatic immunities will commence immediately upon arrival in Xuande-Xiphoi.
The Credentials Ceremony is planned at relevant times throughout the year, with a general requirement that at least three Heads of Mission are credentialed at each Ceremony.
The Ceremony, which begins at 10am, takes place at the parade grounds of King’s Gifted House, the residence and office of the Chairperson of the Republics & Kingdom Council, the Xuande-Xiphoian Head of State. King’s Gifted House is conveniently and centrally located between the Parliament Complex and the city proper on the western banks of the Heron River and the eastern bank of the Magnusson River, occupying the majority of the southern Forum Peninsula.
The King’s Gifted House north face, with the parade ground in the foreground.
OOC: Please ignore the other buildings.The Ceremony takes place in fair weather in a parade style format. Seating for other VIPs seated will be at each side of the bottom of the steps of King’s Gifted House. A dais and seating at the central bottom of the steps will have been installed. A media area will be provided. King’s Gifted House is not open to the public for these events. An honour guard will be present on parade, before the dais. For this Ceremony, Ambassadors-designate will be brought from their residence or Embassy via Xuande-Xiphoian VIP vehicles, each individually plus a family member, or otherwise arranging their own transport in Embassy vehicles, stopping on the parade ground between the honour guard and the dais.
The honour guard is generally constituted of the Armed Service’s Amalgamation Guard, which is a combined unit of all Armed Services branches specialised in drill and ceremony. At one ceremony per year, the honour guard is provided by the Xuande-Xiphoian National Police including DPC members, in honour of their contribution to the safety of diplomats. The Armed Services Massed Band provides musical accompaniment. Upon arrival, a member of the Xuande-Xiphoian National Police Diplomatic Protection Command in full uniform will open the vehicle doors, allowing egress for the Ambassador and family. A representative of the Chairperson will provide the first welcome and seat the Ambassadors-designate on the seats aside the dais. At this point, a discrete closed circuit hearing device (earphone style) will be provided for simultaneous translation if required.
The Chairperson will descend the steps of King’s Gifted House after the Ambassadors-designate are seated, accompanied by a musical flourish. Invited guests stand for the Chairperson’s arrival. Aside the dais, flagpoles will be installed; upon the arrival of the Chairperson’s arrival, their
flag of office is uncased on the flagpole nearest the dais.
At this time, the Chairperson of the Republics & Kingdom Council will make remarks, as may another distinguished guest such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs or the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Depending on the Ambassadors being welcomed, a cultural group may be welcomed from the Xuande-Xiphoian community to perform.
Following this, the Ambassadors-designate will be welcomed in order of seniority onto the dais to sit with the Chairperson, provide their letter of credence, and have it signed by them. Photographs are taken during this act. The Ambassador now sits at the dais with the Chairperson.
At the conclusion of the signing of the letters, the commander of the honour guard will call the parade to attention. The Chairperson and the Ambassadors will be brought by the commander of the guard to inspect the front rank of the honour guard. Ambassadors may stop and ask questions to some of the honour guards, if they wish.
On the conclusion of this, the reviewing party then stands at the dais as the flags are raised. The flags of the Ambassadors nations are raised individually in order of precedence, to their national anthem – a shortened version if appropriate. Finally, the Xuande-Xiphoian flag is raised and anthem played. The parade is then marched past the reviewing party. Xuande-Xiphoi often invites local schools or community groups to be a part of the parade, as they join the tail end of the parade during the preparation to march. They will be charged with carrying the flags of each of the Republics & Kingdom and the flags of the 100 regional government areas of Xuande-Xiphoi. It is encouraged to wave to them. Following the parade, VIPs are invited to the Gold Room hall of King’s Gifted House for light refreshments, photographs, and conversation with the Chairperson.
Dress for the ceremony is a dark suit or ladies equivalent, national costume, diplomatic uniform, or full military dress with medals if entitled. Please note that it is generally requested that military uniform is not worn except for military attaches, or if it is a regular part of dress in the Ambassador’s home nation.
Upon being officially informed of the end of their service in Xuande-Xiphoi and, in any case, one month prior to effective departure from the country, the Head of Mission may address the Office of Protocol by means of a Note Verbale or Signed Note, to request farewell audiences with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior officials of this Ministry.
CHAPTER 2
STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MISSIONThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes Embassies to appoint subordinate members to the Ambassador as resident and non-resident staff in Xuande-Xiphoi, noting the right of the Ministry to withhold the approval of such appointments where they are believed to exceed the scope and function of the Embassy.
Diplomatic staff shall be understood as the staff members of the Mission having diplomatic status. This shall similarly apply to members of the Consular staff. Administrative and technical staff shall be understood as the staff members of the Mission employed in the Mission’s administrative and technical services.
Service staff shall be understood as the staff members of the Mission employed in the domestic service of the Mission (Chancery and/or Head of Mission’s residence).
Xuande-Xiphoi generally issues Open Border Visas to all persons on arrival to Xuande-Xiphoi, however it is required that persons employed from other nations to work in an Embassy apply for and receive Diplomatic Mission Work Visas. Persons who already hold an Open Border Visa will be required to surrender that visa until such time that their employment with a Mission concludes. Family members will be required to apply for and obtain a Diplomatic Mission Family Visa, which provides their entitlements to the same level of diplomatic immunity.
The staff of missions and diplomatic posts may not undertake any other employment or secondary employment or any professional or commercial activity, outside their official diplomatic, consular or domestic functions, for personal profit or gain while in Xuande-Xiphoi. This section does not apply to locally employed staff who are Xuande-Xiphoian citizens or nationals. Children of schooling age are entitled to the same public schooling entitlement as per any other child.
Other than at the rank of Ambassador (with the exception of international organisations who are treated as Citizens of other nations for programme purposes), staff members may be Xuande-Xiphoian citizens or residents. It must be noted that Xuande-Xiphoian citizens are generally not provided with diplomatic immunity protections in Xuande-Xiphoi, but do retain functional immunity.
Please note that for locally engaged staff it is required that such employment must be regulated by the appropriate employment contract, preferably drawn up in English, and in compliance with prevailing Xuande-Xiphoian law, particularly the .
CHAPTER 3
TAX PRIVILEGESIn line with international standards, Diplomatic Missions are entitled to a rebate of taxes and charges; this is dependent on reciprocity for Xuande-Xiphoian missions and personnel in the sending state.
IMPORTATIONS OF EXCISABLE, TAXED, DUTIED AND TARIFFED GOODS
Where it is desired to import goods which may be subject to any form of taxation or excise under normal circumstances, Embassies shall be entitled to an annual allowance for importation of goods for the genuine use of the Embassy. This may include public or invitational events, such as public events, trade shows, or samples, but does not include any purpose which may be seen as sale of goods. They may also be used in the giving of gifts for protocol reasons.
Diplomatic posts and, for most purposes personnel, are entitled to full refunds or waivers of the following types of taxes:
- Airport/seaport movement taxes
- Customs duties
- Excise taxes
- Fuel taxes
- Goods and Services taxes
- Land Value Tax and/or Property Taxes – this does not include lease costs payable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Luxury Car Tax
- Payroll Taxes
- Personal income taxes
- Trustee liability taxes
Heads of missions and posts are asked to ensure staff do not import or export prohibited items. Items of animal or plant origin that are being brought into Xuande-Xiphoi must be declared to an officer of the Customs, Biosecurity & Excise Agency (CBXA) at the point of entry. Some items may need to be inspected, treated or, if necessary, destroyed.
Motor vehicles, a term that includes all vehicle types identified in the
Land Transport Act 2009, can be registered under privilege. Missions, posts and accredited diplomatic, administrative, and technical and consular staff may purchase motor vehicles under privilege. A staff member who is a citizen or permanent resident of Xuande-Xiphoi is not able to obtain exemptions from duties and taxes. Relevant taxes and registration charges are not applicable to motor vehicles purchased and operated under privilege.
Where it is determined that an importation of a motor vehicle is the best option, advanced notice must be given to Protocol Branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are design standards for vehicles on Xuande-Xiphoian roads regarding size, height, and safety and as such, this information is requested in the application form. The importation will be processed in full faith and goodwill by the MFA.
The use of armoured vehicles will be permitted under relevant legislation, with the primary consideration being that the vehicle
"possesses a distinctly civilian appearance, form, and function."Aircraft and boats purchased and operated under privilege will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and only where the use of such craft is congruent with the operations of the diplomatic posts.
Protocol Branch applies a tax quota of one vehicle for the head of mission or post and one vehicle for every two diplomatic or consular officers (but not administrative and technical staff and consular employees). Where all-electric vehicles will be used, Protocol branches will allow increased numbers of vehicles. Please note that with the assent of the
Electrified Economy Act 2010, rapidly decreasing numbers of internal combustion engine vehicles have meant a decrease in the number of gas fuel stations and a heightened adoption of electric outlets for vehicles. Parking for vehicles at various chanceries is also reasonably limited, in terms of both on-street parking and in the provided underground car parks.
Accredited diplomatic and consular officers may import or purchase under privilege one vehicle for their personal use. A diplomatic or consular officer who is accompanied by one or more dependent family members may import or purchase a second vehicle under privilege, provided the dependant is a licensed driver and not an Xuande-Xiphoian citizen or national. Motor vehicles owned by missions, posts, diplomats, administrative and technical (A&T) officers and consular officers, whether or not they were purchased under privilege, must carry diplomatic number plates, an example of which is shown below - they are easily distinguished from standard plates, which have white backgrounds. There is no national identifier of the sending states on these plates - plate numbers are randomly generated for security purposes.
All diplomats in Xuande-Xiphoi, as part of the Government's effort to encourage public transport, receive a public transport access card each year with a value of €50,000 (equivalent to $10,000 NSD). An effective public transport network rapidly connects all Embassy districts to the greater city and the Parliament Complex.
CHAPTER 4
DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY AND INVIOLABILITYXuande-Xiphoi offers a protocol of diplomatic immunities in accordance with international law, including the World Assembly Resolution #22
Diplomatic Protection Act. Under Xuande-Xiphoian law diplomatic missions, consular posts, their staff and family members who form part of staff households, enjoy privileges and immunities. Privileges and immunities of consular officials, including honorary consuls, are more restricted than those of diplomatic staff. Immunities are generally limited to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions (functional immunity). In rare circumstances where a Xuande-Xiphoian citizen or national is given diplomatic or consular accreditation, their immunities will be limited to acts performed in the exercise of official functions.
Under Xuande-Xiphoian laws regarding reciprocity, all or any privileges or immunities may be withdrawn from another country's mission, posts or personnel in Xuande-Xiphoi if the privileges and immunities accorded to Xuande-Xiphoi's mission, posts or personnel in that country are less than those accorded in Xuande-Xiphoi. We will also do this on the request of the World Assembly for diplomatic representations located in Xuande-Xiphoi where Xuande-Xiphoi is not an involved party.
All staff of a diplomatic mission are required to possess an ID card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it is highly recommended that it is carried at all times.
Diplomatic posts have a right, as do Xuande-Xiphoian posts overseas, to unobstructed communications. Official diplomatic bags, clearly marked and sealed, will not be screened, opened or inspected. Diplomatic couriers and their personal baggage, however, are subject to normal aviation security screening procedures. Missions and posts can arrange with the Ports of Entry Branch of the Xuande-Xiphoian National Police for a staff member to have escorted access to restricted areas of an airport to meet an incoming flight carrying diplomatic or consular bags (whether accompanied by a diplomatic courier or not).
Any use of a diplomatic bag or courier to import or export items in contravention of Xuande-Xiphoian laws, including firearms or narcotic drugs, will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
With regard to radio transmitters, a licence is required to operate a radio transmitter. If permitted, reciprocal approval must be given to a Xuande-Xiphoian diplomatic mission or consular post in the country making the request and all installed equipment must conform to the standards of the Xuande-Xiphoian Communications Regulatory Enforcement Agency (XCREA). Installation of a satellite dish must be done in accordance with Regional Government Authority planning laws.
In accordance with worldwide practice for airline passengers, the personal baggage of diplomats – both check-in and carry-on – will be screened and/or searched before air travel is permitted. This is to ensure the safety of all air travellers and is not considered a breach of international convention. This service is provided by the Transportation Services Security Agency and contracted private security providers on arrival and departure from Xuande-Xiphoi.
While diplomatic immunities will always be respected by Xuande-Xiphoi, where a person with diplomatic immunity is sought for prosecution under Xuande-Xiphoian law an application will be made for a waiver of immunity by the sending state; where this is not granted, Xuande-Xiphoi may order a person to be
persona non grata and expel them from the Republics & Kingdom in a reasonable period of time.
CHAPTER 5
CHANCERIES AND DIPLOMATIC BUILDINGSDiplomatic missions in Xuande-Xiphoi are to be located one of two cities, where relevant conditions are met:
In any circumstances except as below, Embassies and equivalents must be located in the national capital city Revnami, in the Republic of Nonus.Where a state seeks to co-locate its diplomatic representation to the World Customs Organization, Embassies or equivalents may be headquartered in Xīn Lóngwān, in the Republic of Qing Yuan Shan.In certain circumstances, Xuande-Xiphoi will consider proposals by missions to co-locate their official premises, on the understanding that physical co-location in no way indicates that the missions concerned are less than independent offices with their own identities, agendas and operations. Co-location does not connote joint or mutual or shared representation.
All consular posts are located in major centres – usually the main cities within a Regional Government Area (excluding the RGA in which the Embassy is located). Consular posts are headed and staffed either by career consular officers or by honorary consuls, but not a combination.
The size of missions and posts should be kept within reasonable and normal limits, having regard to their operational needs.
The establishment of a diplomatic mission in Xuande-Xiphoi, except where such a post is exclusively related to relations with the World Customs Organization, requires approval of the Government of Xuande-Xiphoi through the provided form. For relations exclusively with the World Customs Organization, Xuande-Xiphoi is required under international law to facilitate access and diplomatic privileges for those diplomats.
Xuande-Xiphoi wither provides a facility for diplomatic missions, at no cost for specific diplomatic precincts and offices. These are detailed in the following pages.
CHAPTER 6
SECURITYXuande-Xiphoi is an exceedingly safe country, and diplomatic staff should feel safe while in-country.
Security of diplomatic and consular personnel and facilities is the responsibility of the Xuande-Xiphoian Government. Xuande-Xiphoi has obligations to all diplomatic facilities in our nation, including for missions only related to the World Customs Organization. Maintaining the physical security of diplomats and diplomatic missions is an important priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partners. The lead agency that delivers this service is the Xuande-Xiphoian National Police's
Diplomatic Protection Command.
The DPC is a specialist command, with officers qualified in delivering high quality close personal protection, armed response, and public order response. They deliver this service with the support of national law enforcement and civilian and military intelligence sources and utilising the skills of general and special commands of the National Police. This is demonstrated by the use of members of the DPC who constitute security officers for Xuande-Xiphoian missions overseas - the officers who guard diplomatic missions in Xuande-Xiphoi are the same officers who guard Xuande-Xiphoi's missions overseas.
Missions and posts are expected to provide an appropriate level of physical security for themselves, including fencing and other perimeter security measures, entry controls, and intruder and duress alarms. The XXNP provides a monitoring and response service for alarms installed at chanceries, consulates and head of mission/post residences that have been approved for such monitoring. Police maintain close liaison with missions and posts, particularly those subject to threats or recurrent incidents. Where requested, the XXNP may provide a close personal protection detail.
Freedom of expression and peaceful political protest are a key part of Xuande-Xiphoi's system of democracy. This means that there may be protest activity directed at missions and posts. Appropriate efforts will be made to protect the safety and dignity of missions and posts during such protests.
Diplomatic missions are entitled to deploy a proportional amount of security officers to protect the physical and information safety of the diplomatic mission, its goods, and personnel. International security officers may only work in this capacity outside of Embassy grounds as they meet the following qualifications:
- Successful completion of a Security Officer Certificate of Competency, delivered by the DPC in Revnami and Xin Longwan.
- Registration with the Security Officers Accreditation Commission and receipt of an ID card, to be worn on duty.
Qualified international security officers are entitled to utilise restricted equipment when performing their diplomatic duties, which may include:
- An approved incapacitant spray.
- An approved extendable, concealable baton.
- An approved style of handcuffs.
- Approved encrypted radio communication equipment.
- An approved form of body armour or stab vest.
- When specifically approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to an exceptional security threat, an approved taser device.
Xuande-Xiphoi
prohibits the possession, carriage and use of firearms by members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and by other staff members of the missions and posts (including guards). This applies to all persons and premises with or without diplomatic or consular immunity.
It is a long-standing policy of the Xuande-Xiphoian Government that foreign security personnel accompanying foreign dignitaries in Xuande-Xiphoi are not permitted to carry firearms. This policy is based on the very high standard of protective security arrangements provided by Xuande-Xiphoian authorities. Foreign security personnel are also not permitted to import or carry prohibited items which include ballistic vests, or any other type of weapon, including batons, tasers, handcuffs and sprays.
Where foreign security personnel are carrying weapons for other purposes, such as visits to other countries, those firearms and other weapons must be handed over to the XXNP on arrival for safe keeping. The weapons will be returned to the security personnel at the point of departure from Xuande-Xiphoi.
The Minister of Internal Affairs can, in extremely limited circumstances, issue an exemption to allow for security guards to carry weapons and equipment for the purposes of close personal protection in limited time periods and circumstances. This policy has never been utilised, and would only be considered in extraordinary circumstances. Another exception to this policy may be allowed for individuals to possess, under prescribed conditions, non-prohibited types of firearms for sporting purposes only.
CHAPTER 7
HOLDING ELECTIONS, REFERENDUMS, OR OTHER EVENTSTBA