The statement followed the inaugural meeting of a South Korean–U.S. working group on visas, formed following an ICE operation at a Georgia worksite.
U.S. and South Korean officials have clarified that workers can come to the United States under existing temporary visas, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Oct. 1.
Seoul said in a statement that the two countries would also establish new channels of cooperation for Korean investors, as well as for immigration enforcement.
The announcement followed the inaugural meeting of the bilateral U.S.–Republic of Korea Business Travel and Visa Working Group in Washington on Sept. 30.
The working group was established in the wake of an immigration enforcement operation last month at a Hyundai car battery facility under construction in Georgia, where around 475 workers, most of whom were South Korean nationals, were detained.
“The two sides clarified the scope of activities permitted under the B-1 (temporary business) visa, in accordance with the needs of Korean companies,” South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“The U.S. side reaffirmed that B-1 visas may be used for activities such as installation, servicing, and repair of equipment purchased overseas as part of the investment process, and also confirmed that the same activities are permissible under ESTA as they are for B-1 visa holders.”
The ministry also said that the two partners agreed to establish the provisionally named “Korean Investor Desk” at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, which is scheduled to open in October. The desk will act as a communication channel for South Korean companies that are investing in the United States and need advice on visas.
“Following the Korean side’s proposal to establish a cooperative framework between Korean diplomatic missions in the United States and U.S. immigration enforcement agencies, the two sides agreed to set up direct lines of contact and strengthen cooperation between Korean missions and branches of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP),” the ministry said.
Seoul added that it would be holding another working group meeting with Washington “as soon as possible” to discuss any other issues facing Korean companies looking to invest in the United States.
The Epoch Times contacted the State Department to confirm the details discussed with South Korean officials, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
