More than 300 South Koreans remain in U.S. custody over visa issues.

On Wednesday, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the United States is obstructing the repatriation of more than 300 South Koreans detained at the Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant.

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“Their departure has become difficult due to circumstances on the U.S. side,” the South Korean ministry said, without giving details on what is delaying a swift return.

“We are holding consultations with the U.S. side to ensure their departure as soon as possible. We will provide updates as new developments arise,” it added.

The announcement came just hours after Seoul chartered a Korean Air flight to repatriate the South Koreans, who were detained last week during a raid at the Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia.

U.S. authorities, who arrested another 175 people of various nationalities during the raid, accused the South Koreans of lacking proper work visas or using permits that did not allow them to work at the plant.

The charter flight was scheduled to depart Sept. 10 with the South Korean nationals on board. Seoul has been negotiating with Washington to ensure that the departure of its citizens is voluntary, hoping to avoid consequences that could complicate their ability to reenter the U.S. in the future.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun was scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the detainees and the issuance of visas for South Korean technicians in the country. The case has fueled public discontent in South Korea, sparking protests in Seoul.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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