The Grand Union of Yousand has only recently came out of a decade-long period of isolationism. During that time she saw a lot of changes. The National Archives & National Library are both currently collating information and facts which you can find here: FACTBOOK
As this is a major work-in-progress, the important information you will need to know when joining our Embassy Program can be found below. In addition, Yousand is in a timeframe 20 years ahead of the “natural” timeline, but applications are welcome from any and all, provided they don’t seem overly ridiculous.
If there are further queries, please telegram our Ministry for Foreign Affairs as we will be most likely not to miss an important communiqué.
RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONNEL
When establishing an Embassy in Yousand, please bear in mind that the Embassy is not a military base. Yousand’s cities are fairly compact, to maintain the beauty of the country outside the cities. For these reasons, there are limitations to the number of people that may accompany a diplomatic team.
TRANSPORT
All petroleum-based land transportation is illegal in Yousand. This was enacted by the previous administration (the same one that led Yousand into isolation), but is one of the few policies that has been retained. There are a limited number of alternative-based fuel land vehicles, but most people use the public transport network. You are welcome to bring vehicles into Yousand that are legal, our Foreign Office will ensure they are passed through customs without unnecessary delay.
RESTRICTIONS ON ANIMAL/PLANT IMPORTS
Most animals and plants must spend a short time in quarantine before they will be allowed into the country. While in quarantine, they will be assessed and tested for possible contaminants and diseases, and the likelihood of high environmental impact on Yousand’s native species if they were to be released into the open. Any and all information you could provide for lifeforms that will be brought into Yousand will help speed up the process.
RESTRICTIONS ON WEAPONS
Most weapons are restricted to those that are trained and licensed. However, a licensed person may supervise another for hunting trips (there are several Hunting/Gaming Reserves in Yousand where hunting is permitted; hunting in a Nature Reserve is illegal).
The most common ranged weapons in Yousand are plasma pistols, plasma rifles, and plasma pulse rifles. Also, electro-magnetic disruption rifles (EMD’s) are growing in popularity, and are non-lethal to Humans. These are used primarily by the police forces, but a growing number of people engage in “combat games” where they use body armour to protect them. Though non-lethal, they will stun a person for several minutes and leave heavy bruising.
Weapons such as explosives are not permitted under any circumstance.
RESTRICTIONS ON DRUGS
There are no legal restrictions on recreational drug use over the age of 21 (the end of formal education). However, any health issues that arise as a result of drug abuse are not free to treat under the Yousandi National Health Service.
Drugs that are smoked, or in another way may interfere with the comfort of others (tobacco, cannabis) are not permitted in public within urban areas, or inside most restaurants. Some restaurants have a separate seating area.
DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY
Any member of the diplomatic team (Ambassador and administrative/technical staff) is immune from prosecution under Yousandi law. However, for serious infractions of the law Yousand retains the right to dismiss an Ambassador and request a replacement in order to continue relations.
Members of the security and service teams may be arrested and tried (unofficial acts only for security team). If found guilty they will be extradited/deported to their home country. Yousandi law forbids the imprisonment of foreign nationals with the exception of espionage/sabotage. Convicted foreign nationals are always deported.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Within Yousand, medical treatment is free only for Yousandi nationals, or those living in the country and paying tax. However, this is extended to all embassy staff (including non-administrative staff, and to family members of administrative staff). However, a Yousandi Medical Response Team must be given formal permission to assist in medical treatment by a member of the administrative team.
YOUSAND IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
With the ever-expanding multiverse around us, Yousand understands the importance of maintaining international relations, friendships, and getting to know and understand other cultures and traditions.
That being said, Yousand remains strictly neutral when it comes to war and conflict. We have a powerful military (by modern Earth standards) but it is strictly defensive. We have engaged in peacekeeping operations from time to time, but only as a last resort, and when requested by the recognised government.
We are willing to further relations with any willing nation, and realize that our way of doing things may not necessarily always be the best way for everyone.
FURTHER REQUESTS/INFORMATION
If there is any further information you feel is appropriate, feel free to add it to your application. Also, if you have any special requests, please give sufficient information that we may better grant it. All efforts will be made to ensure the comfort and safety of all diplomatic staff.
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Below is the Application form for the establishing an embassy in Yousand:
Thank you for any interest in establishing diplomatic relations with the Grand Union of Yousand.
Kind regards:
Anita Nakra, President of Yousand
Danil Kamar, Minister for Foreign Affairs
