South Korea Secures Release of Nationals Detained in Hyundai Plant Raid
The South Korean government has concluded negotiations with the US to secure the release of its nationals detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, according to officials. The detainees, who include over 300 South Koreans, will be freed and flown home on a chartered plane once administrative procedures are completed.
According to Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the president of South Korea, the authorities were working to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents in the future. "We have concluded talks with the US to secure the release of our nationals," he said. "A chartered plane will be sent to bring them home once administrative procedures are completed."
The raid by US immigration officials on January 31 resulted in the detention of 475 people, with over 300 being South Korean nationals. The Hyundai plant, one of the largest foreign investments in the US, was targeted for allegedly employing workers without proper documentation.
Footage of the raid showed detained workers in handcuffs and with chains around their ankles, sparking widespread criticism and concern from human rights groups. According to a report by Reuters, immigration agents at the plant said they had found evidence of widespread visa fraud and exploitation of foreign workers.
The South Korean government has been working closely with US authorities to resolve the situation and secure the release of its nationals. "We appreciate the efforts made by the US side in resolving this issue," said Kang Hoon-sik. "We will continue to work together to strengthen our cooperation on immigration issues."
The Hyundai plant raid has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign workers in the US and the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. According to experts, the incident highlights the complexities of international labor migration and the challenges faced by countries like South Korea in protecting their citizens abroad.
As the release of the detainees approaches, the South Korean government is working to ensure that its nationals are treated fairly and humanely. "We will do everything possible to support our citizens who have been detained," said Kang Hoon-sik. "Their safety and well-being are our top priority."
The current status of the detainees and their expected release date were not immediately available, but officials say they will be freed and flown home on a chartered plane once administrative procedures are completed.
Sources:
BBC News: Seoul concludes US talks to release South Koreans detained in Hyundai raid
The Guardian: 300 South Koreans detained at Hyundai plant in US to be released, says Seoul
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and The Guardian.
