US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Sunday expressed remorse over the current detention of lots of of South Korean employees in Georgia.
Landau, in Seoul for a Korea-US vice overseas ministerial assembly, mentioned that the 316 South Koreans who returned residence Friday on a chartered jet after being detained in Georgia will face no drawback when re-entering the US, in keeping with South Korea’s overseas ministry.
Earlier this month, US immigration authorities carried out a sweeping raid on a [hotlink]Hyundai Motor[/hotlink] Co.-LG Power Resolution Ltd. battery plant beneath development in Georgia. Photographs of detained employees being lined up and restrained sparked public outcry in South Korea, as the employees had been dispatched to assist get the plant up and operating.
Landau acknowledged the numerous function Korean firms play in revitalizing US manufacturing. Each international locations mentioned accelerating working-level consultations to make sure work visas are issued appropriately in recognition of Korean employees’ contributions.
Regardless of having a free commerce settlement with the US since 2012, South Korea has by no means obtained a devoted visa quota, in contrast to a number of different FTA companions. The US has granted particular quotas to Australia, Singapore and Chile, whereas Canada and Mexico haven’t any caps, in keeping with legislation companies. This discrepancy is a big supply of frustration for Seoul, highlighting a serious hole within the bilateral financial relationship.
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