Georgia governor emphasizes need for 90-day visa for Korean workers

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, left, and Brian Kemp, the governor of the U.S. state of Georgia, shake hands in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Brian Kemp, the governor of the U.S. state of Georgia, said he has proposed to U.S. President Donald Trump a three-month visa for skilled Korean plant workers, following a mass detention of Korean citizens in his state last month.

At Friday’s meeting in Seoul, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun called for Kemp to address lingering concerns in the aftermath of the immigration raid, in which more than 300 Koreans were detained for alleged visa violations, and to support improvements to the U.S. visa process for Koreans.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kemp responded by saying that he had formally asked Trump to consider introducing a 90-day visa designed for plant and construction specialists ― one that would help ensure safe access for major projects led by Korean companies in that state.

“He said President Trump understands well the need to ensure smooth entry and support the activities of skilled Korean workers in the U.S., and expressed hope that discussions about improving visa systems between the two countries will make progress and economic cooperation between Korea and the U.S., as well as Georgia, will further develop,” the ministry said.

Kemp promised “all efforts” to prevent a recurrence of the “unfortunate incident,” adding that economic cooperation between Korea and Georgia is “longstanding and close,” as demonstrated by the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Georgia’s Seoul Trade Office, according to the ministry.

The raid that targeted the battery manufacturing plant, jointly operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, has sparked fears of future disruptions to Korean investment in the state, home to massive new ventures from Korean companies.

As Trump is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung on Oct. 29 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the governor also expressed his wishes for a successful meeting between the two leaders, the ministry added.

At a meeting with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo the previous day, Kemp said he would firmly support the stable operations of Korean companies investing in his state.

Kemp, who arrived in Korea on Thursday, has also met with senior executives from Hyundai, LG and SK On, offering assurances of expanded tax incentives and administrative support ― and expressing regret over the incident.

SK On currently operates a standalone battery factory in Commerce City in Georgia, with a production capacity of 22 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year. In addition, the firm is building a much larger 35 GWh battery plant in Bartow County as a joint venture with Hyundai Motor Group.

This visit marks Kemp’s third trip to Korea since taking office in 2019.