South Korea’s National Security Advisor, Wi Sung-lac, announced on Friday that the government will engage in consultations with U.S. officials to establish clearer visa regulations for South Korean workers employed by domestic firms operating in the United States.
The statement comes amid heightened concern following a recent U.S. immigration raid at a South Korean-owned battery factory, which resulted in the detention of approximately 300 South Korean nationals. The workers were repatriated to South Korea on Friday, one week after the raid that prompted diplomatic discussions between the two allied nations.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Wi said the incident exposed confusion surrounding the use of B-1 visas, which are short-term business visas commonly used by South Korean workers sent to the United States for temporary assignments.
“I believe similar issues may exist at other workplaces in the U.S.,” Wi said. “Many South Korean workers have concerns about whether it is permissible to work in the U.S. on B-1 visas. Our most urgent task is to consult with the U.S. government and issue clear, authoritative guidelines on what is and isn’t allowed.”
According to Wi, the arrests stemmed from a broader investigation by U.S. immigration authorities targeting four individuals, with the Korean workers being detained as collateral during the operation.
“The situation could have been managed more effectively if there were clearer standards regarding permissible activities under the B-1 visa,” Wi said, citing discrepancies between U.S. immigration enforcement interpretations and those held by Korean businesses.
Wi emphasised that the detained individuals had not admitted to any criminal conduct on their U.S. exit declaration forms, and he expressed confidence that this would not pose obstacles to their potential future reentry into the country.
Looking ahead, Wi stated that the South Korean government plans to work with the United States on developing a dedicated visa or a quota system specifically for Korean professionals.
However, he acknowledged that negotiations could be complicated by shifting U.S. immigration policy under the administration of President Donald Trump.
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The return of the detained workers followed a week of intensive negotiations led by the South Korean government. Many of the workers were held in handcuffs and shackles during their detention, prompting outcry from Seoul.
While President Trump later suggested that the Korean nationals could remain in the U.S. if they wished, South Korea opted for their repatriation amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding their legal status.
“We expressed regret and formally protested what occurred in the initial stages,” Wi said. “However, the subsequent discussions with U.S. officials were not particularly difficult. They listened to our concerns and responded in a constructive manner.”
The incident has prompted broader calls within South Korea for improved protections for its overseas workforce, particularly in countries with complex and shifting immigration frameworks.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
