Seoul: The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) on Monday called for the introduction of a new U.S. visa policy for skilled South Korean workers to strengthen economic ties between Seoul and Washington amid heightened visa compliance concerns. The call came as business uncertainties grew after more than 300 South Korean workers at a factory construction site in Georgia were detained for a week in early September over unclear visa violations. They were later released following diplomatic negotiations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during an event held in Seoul, AMCHAM Chairman James Kim stressed the need for new systems, including the so-called K-Visa for South Korean professionals, along with measures to address business uncertainties. "Beyond compliance, we must prepare for new opportunities such as the proposed K-Visa, which could strengthen workforce mobility and the U.S.-Korea partnership," Kim said.

He was referring to the proposed allotment of 15,000 E-4 visas for Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise under the Partner with Korea Act, reintroduced in July by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA).

Through a video message, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said during the event that Washington is committed to supporting South Korean companies entering the American market. "Investment from Korean companies is absolutely key to President Trump's vision for our country," Landau was quoted as saying by AMCHAM. "We are deeply grateful for the scale and impact of these investments, and we recognize that they cannot succeed without the ability for Korean executives to come to the United States, share their expertise and help train American workers," Landau added.