The United States has agreed to let South Koreans work at U.S. investment sites under temporary visas, Seoul’s foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday.
The move aims to ease staffing at key facilities while maintaining trade and investment ties between the two allies. Officials said new channels will also be opened to help South Korean workers conduct business in the U.S.
However, the U.S. offered no immediate solution for broader access to specialty visas. South Korea had requested wider opportunities for skilled workers, but officials only reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen trade and investment partnerships.
The working group addressing the issue was formed after a major immigration raid in September at a Hyundai Motor car battery facility in Georgia. Hundreds of South Korean workers were arrested during the operation, prompting urgent talks to prevent similar incidents.
Experts say temporary visas may help in the short term, but a clear, long-term resolution for specialty workers remains elusive. Both countries continue discussions to balance labor needs with legal and regulatory requirements.
The development also highlights broader challenges in international labor mobility. While the U.S. restricts certain visa categories, other countries, like China, have recently introduced measures to attract skilled foreign talent. For instance, China launched a new visa to attract tech workers, contrasting with tighter restrictions elsewhere.
Trade analysts note that ensuring legal access for foreign workers is crucial for maintaining global supply chains, especially in high-tech industries. South Korea’s growing investments in U.S. manufacturing make these discussions urgent, as delays in staffing could affect production timelines and economic cooperation.
The foreign ministry said it will continue negotiations with the U.S. government to secure better options for South Korean specialists. Both sides emphasized that protecting workers’ rights and complying with U.S. immigration law remain top priorities.
As talks continue, temporary visas offer a stopgap solution, but long-term agreements will be needed to prevent future labor disruptions. The issue underscores the complexity of balancing international business needs with immigration regulations in today’s global economy.
