Cho Hyun, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with representatives of our companies stationed in Washington in the afternoon of September 9 (local time) to listen to the difficulties of businesses, including visa issues related to the recent crackdown on Hyundai Motor Company-LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia.
The meeting was attended by major companies such as LG, Hyundai Motor Company, POSCO, Samsung Electronics, Hanwha Q Cells, Hanwha Defense, SK, Korean Air, and economic organizations like the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
Minister Cho emphasized, “The swift and safe return of our citizens detained in Georgia is being prioritized, and efforts are being made to ensure that they do not face any disadvantages when reentering the United States in the future.”
Corporate representatives expressed appreciation for the government’s prompt action to protect overseas citizens and requested the establishment of a separate E-4 visa quota for Korean professionals, improved approval rates for E-2 visas for employees of investment companies in the United States, and a clear guideline from the U.S. government regarding the issuance of short-term business visas (B-1). They also highlighted the importance of consistent standards from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to reduce uncertainty for businesses and facilitate investment activities in the U.S.
Minister Cho explained that the government had already been working on outreach to the U.S. Congress to establish an E-4 visa quota during the legislative process of the “Partner with Korea Act,” and had been conducting consultations and briefing sessions to address corporate visa issues. He stated that he had conveyed the businesses’ requests to the U.S. side and pledged continued efforts to ensure smooth operations for our enterprises.
Immediately after the meeting, Minister Cho held a video conference with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta and the diplomatic response team near the Georgia Folkston Detention Center to assess preparations for the swift repatriation of detained individuals. He also instructed that safety be ensured throughout the repatriation process.
Moreover, Minister Cho reviewed the high-level communication progress with the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security and directed necessary actions. He stated his commitment to ongoing consultations for the rapid resolution of various issues.