Visa crisis from ‘Georgia’… Large law firms strengthen overseas advisory services

As the aftermath of the large-scale detention of Korean workers at a factory in Georgia, USA continues, companies' overseas expansion is also on alert. Corporate management risks resulting from policy changes, such as the United States' visa screening requirements and strengthened crackdown on illegal stays, have become a reality. In fact, law firms in charge of immigration and visa work are inundated with related inquiries, and interest in stable manpower management and ensuring legal stay in the industry is increasing.

Experts point out that this incident should serve as an opportunity for Korean companies to have a more systematic legal response structure. An immigration lawyer specializing in immigration law explained, “The U.S. visa system is not only complex, but the issuance process is also difficult, so it seems that companies have been using short-term business visas (B1) or visa-free Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA),” and added, “This leads to issues with residency qualifications, putting them at risk of deportation or punishment in the future.”

In this situation, large domestic law firms are also strengthening their capabilities, focusing on groups that handle international affairs such as immigration. Jipyong Law Firm recently launched the ‘Global Risk Response Center’ and is working on proactive prevention and advice on risk management and consulting, including international trade, tariffs, and overseas regulations.

Daeryun Law Firm has also strengthened its advisory services to global companies, focusing on immigration and overseas investment groups. Daeryun, which has established local corporations in New York and Washington D.C., utilizes its local network to support ▲establishment and investment of domestic companies in the U.S. ▲checking expatriate visa applications ▲advising on immigration law and permanent residency acquisition. In particular, we are focusing on preventing and managing labor law risks that may arise during the process of dispatching human resources domestically and internationally.

An official from a local company said, "There are quite a few cases where projects are delayed or contracts are canceled in the actual field because companies are unable to obtain appropriate visas. Since visas must be applied appropriately according to the size of the company and the characteristics of each industry, it seems inevitable that dependence on law firms will increase."

Reporter Hwang Jeong-won (jwhwang@mt.co.kr)

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In the visa crisis from 'Georgia'... Large law firms strengthening overseas advisory services (link)