On Wednesday (September 10), the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that they are closely collaborating with U.S. authorities to bring back around 300 South Korean workers detained in Georgia. However, due to complications on the U.S. side, the chartered flight scheduled to return on Wednesday may not proceed as planned.
According to a source familiar with the matter, a chartered flight was scheduled to depart from Atlanta at 2:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, to repatriate the detained South Korean workers. However, it seems unlikely at the moment.
In a statement, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that while the government is striving to repatriate the workers promptly, the complex situation on the U.S. side makes their return on Wednesday “less likely.”
The U.S. State Department stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the issue. During a meeting with South Korean business representatives in Washington, Cho Hyun promised to ensure the safe return of the workers and guarantee that their eligibility to work in the U.S. in the future will not be affected.
Last Thursday (September 4), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out a raid at an electric vehicle battery plant jointly invested by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, arresting 475 individuals, around 300 of whom are South Korean nationals. ICE stated that these detainees were working illegally in the U.S., with many holding prohibited short-term or tourist visas.
Flight data showed that the chartered flight had departed from South Korea to Atlanta on Wednesday morning. South Korean media reported that a few Japanese and Chinese nationals who were simultaneously arrested in the ICE raid will also be on board the same flight back.
South Korean corporate representatives urged the government to negotiate with the U.S. to secure new visa types for South Korean technical personnel and obtain clearer visa guidelines to reduce uncertainty, in support of their investments and operations in the United States.
South Korean companies have long complained about the stringent visa restrictions on foreign technical workers in the U.S., making it challenging for them to oversee factory construction or train local staff.
Officials from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Both South Korea and the U.S. are working to resolve visa issues to support the operations of South Korean companies in the U.S.,” without disclosing further details.
On Sunday (September 7), U.S. President Trump stated on social media that if foreign companies comply with U.S. immigration laws, the U.S. will “quickly and legally” allow them to bring their employees into the country.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s position during a press briefing on Tuesday (September 9), stating, “The Department of Homeland Security and Commerce are jointly studying this issue.”