S. Korea, US to collaborate in improving visa system for Korean workers

(MENAFN) South Korea confirmed on Monday that it will join the United States in forming a working group this week aimed at improving the visa system for Korean workers, following concerns over the detention and release of South Koreans during a recent US immigration operation, according to reports.

The first session of this group is scheduled to take place in Washington on Tuesday, as stated by reports. The initiative is intended to streamline and enhance the US visa process for South Korean employees, particularly as Korean companies continue to pursue major manufacturing projects within the United States.

The discussions will be co-led by Jung Ki-hong, South Korea’s official in charge of overseas Korean nationals and consular matters, and Kevin Kim, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, according to reports.

Earlier this month, more than 300 South Korean workers involved in constructing a factory in Georgia were detained for a week due to visa complications. They were released after diplomatic negotiations.

In July, Seoul and Washington reached a preliminary agreement in which the US lowered tariffs on South Korean imports from 25% to 15% in exchange for a commitment by South Korea to invest $350 billion in the US.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized in a recent interview that without resolving the visa issue, “meaningful progress remains virtually impossible.” He added, “The detention incident dealt a severe blow not only to the general Korean public, but especially to the workers.”

“The workers and their families are understandably reluctant to enter the US again,” Kim continued, noting that until the issue is settled, “it will be very difficult for a large number of workers to enter or re-enter the US.”

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