Representatives of Korean companies based in Washington D.C., USA, have requested that the government reconfirm clear guidelines from the U.S. government regarding the short-term business visa (B-1), which they typically obtain for business trips to the United States.
On the 9th (local time), Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with representatives of local businesses in Washington D.C., USA. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 10, Minister Cho Hyun, who is visiting Washington D.C., held a meeting on the afternoon of the 9th (local time) with local representatives from eight companies, including LG, Hyundai Motor, POSCO, Samsung Electronics, Hanwha Qcells, Hanwha Defense, SK, and Korean Air. The meeting was convened in response to the recent incident involving the detention of Korean nationals. Representatives from economic organizations, such as the Korea International Trade Association and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, also attended.
The company representatives requested that the governments of both Korea and the United States establish clear U.S. visa guidelines. They emphasized that it would greatly help reduce uncertainty for businesses and facilitate more active investment in the United States if not only the U.S. Department of State but also related agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security consistently apply any future guidelines. In addition, they requested efforts to introduce a new quota for a separate visa (E-4) for Korean professionals and to increase the approval rate for the E-2 visa for employees of Korean companies investing in the United States.
Minister Cho stated, "We are prioritizing all efforts to ensure the swift and safe repatriation of our nationals detained in Georgia, and to prevent them from facing any disadvantages when re-entering the United States in the future." He also explained the government's ongoing efforts regarding visa issues and said that the concerns raised by business leaders had been conveyed to the U.S. side. He added, "We will actively work to ensure that the activities of our companies investing in the United States can proceed smoothly in the future."
On the 9th (local time), Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a video conference with the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs task force stationed near the Consulate General in Atlanta and the Folkston Detention Center in Georgia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Meanwhile, on the same day, Minister Cho held a video conference with the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs task force stationed near the Consulate General in Atlanta and the Folkston Detention Center in Georgia to check the status of preparations for the swift repatriation of the detained nationals. He also instructed that every effort be made to ensure their safe return. In this regard, he reviewed ongoing high-level consultations with the U.S. National Security Council, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security, and urged a prompt resolution.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
