Georgia business leaders push for the return of Korean workers, encountering ongoing visa difficulties

In a shocking turn of events, a raid on a $4.3 billion electric car battery project in Ellabell, Georgia, led by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution, resulted in the arrest of 475 people, including about 300 South Koreans, on September 4.

The affected workers, who are employees of the facility, have been complaining about mistreatment and abuse at the joint battery factory. The South Koreans detained in the raid are currently under investigation by the South Korean government for potential abuse claims.

The detention of South Koreans at the factory is a matter of concern, with a senior U.S. diplomat expressing deep regret over the mass detention. Samsung and SK hynix have reportedly reduced ESTA trips to the U.S. following the mass detentions in Georgia.

Despite the raid, the U.S. deputy state secretary has urged South Korean companies to continue investing in the U.S., emphasising the importance of maintaining strong economic ties between the two countries.

In a positive development, some of the detained South Korean workers were released and returned to South Korea on September 12. The returned workers arrived at Incheon International Airport, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging situation.

It is worth noting that one of the detainees from the Georgia raid held a U.S. employment permit, according to Foreign Ministry data. The details of the raid and the subsequent detentions are still under investigation, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days.

This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign workers in U.S. factories, and both the South Korean and U.S. governments are working together to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all workers.

Georgia business leaders push for the return of Korean workers, encountering ongoing visa difficulties