Two months after a high-profile immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing site in Georgia, some of the 300 South Korean nationals detained have returned to the U.S. to resume their jobs, according to their employer. The September raid, which targeted workers with expired visas or visa waivers prohibiting employment, temporarily halted construction at a battery plant operated by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. The plant, part of Hyundai’s $7.6 billion investment in Georgia, is crucial for producing batteries to power Hyundai EVs. HL-GA Battery confirmed that construction has resumed with a mix of new and returning workers, thanking U.S., South Korean, and Georgia officials for their collaboration. The company remains on track to start production in the first half of next year. The raid, which saw workers shackled and detained for a week, sparked outrage in South Korea, a key U.S. ally. While some workers are hesitant to return, others have come back after confirming their B-1 business visas remain valid. South Korea has since secured U.S. commitments to improve visa processes for skilled workers.
作者： admin
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Canadian boycott of US travel shows no sign of slowing
Kristy Gammon, a Nova Scotia resident, used to travel to the United States regularly, enjoying ski trips in Lake Placid, New York, and attending Baltimore Orioles baseball games with her husband. However, those trips have come to an abrupt halt. This year, Gammon avoided even passing through the US on her way to Ontario, opting for a longer 18-hour drive instead. Her decision reflects a growing trend among Canadians, who are increasingly boycotting the US in protest of President Donald Trump’s policies and trade actions targeting Canada. Gammon, 62, is not alone. Many of her Canadian friends have also stopped visiting the US, citing concerns over the administration’s international behavior, treatment of citizens, and strained relations with allies like Canada. This sentiment has translated into a significant decline in Canadian travel to the US. October marked the 10th consecutive month of reduced visits, with air travel dropping nearly 24% and car travel falling over 30% compared to the same period last year, according to Canada’s statistics office. The US Travel Association reported a 3.2% overall decline in international spending, driven largely by fewer Canadian visitors. Historically, Canadians accounted for about a quarter of all international visitors to the US, spending over $20 billion annually. However, Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 35% levy on certain products, has fueled tensions and prompted Canadians to rethink their travel plans. Trade talks between the two nations were further derailed last month after Trump expressed anger over an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan, sponsored by Ontario. Meanwhile, his public remarks about making Canada the “51st state” have only deepened Canadian frustrations. Some US tourist destinations, like Kalispell, Montana, have attempted to lure Canadians back with initiatives like the “Canadian Welcome Pass,” offering discounts and deals. However, these efforts have yet to reverse the trend. On the flip side, Canada’s domestic tourism industry has benefited, with record-breaking revenues of C$59 billion from May to August 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. Even Canadian snowbirds—retirees who traditionally winter in warmer US states like Florida—are staying home, with only 10% planning US trips this year, a 66% drop from last year. Gammon and her friends have even sold their Florida winter homes, signaling a profound shift in attitudes. While Gammon misses her US travels, she remains committed to her boycott for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, unless significant changes occur. ‘Who knows what could change between now and three years,’ she said. ‘But it would have to be pretty significant changes for us personally to change our minds.’
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Swiss deploy charm offensive in bid to slash crippling Trump tariffs
In a bid to reduce the steep 39% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Swiss exports, Swiss ministers and business leaders have embarked on a diplomatic mission to Washington. Initial efforts by Swiss President Karin Keller Sutter to negotiate a reduction were unsuccessful, but a recent visit by Swiss industry chiefs appears to have shifted the dynamics. On November 4, these leaders presented Trump with luxurious gifts, including a Rolex gold watch and a specially engraved gold bar from Swiss-based gold refining company MKS. These gestures seem to have influenced Trump, who has since hinted at a potential tariff reduction, stating that a deal is being worked on to bring the tariffs ‘a little bit lower.’
The Swiss delegation emphasized the unity between the private and public sectors in their initiative. Notably, some Swiss business figures, particularly those in luxury goods and commodities, already had connections within Trump’s circle. For instance, Jean Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Rolex, had previously hosted Trump at the US Open tennis final in September. Last week, Dufour and other business leaders, including Johann Rupert from Richemont and Marwan Shakarchi from MKS, met Trump in the Oval Office. Following the meeting, Trump was photographed with a Rolex ‘Datejust’ desk clock, a collector’s item worth tens of thousands of dollars, on his desk.
While the White House confirmed the receipt of these gifts, it remains unclear whether Trump will retain them, as all presidential gifts become US property and are eventually transferred to a presidential library. Historically, President Richard Nixon once declined a Swiss Omega watch commemorating the Moon landings. However, Trump’s apparent softening stance towards Switzerland has sparked optimism among Swiss officials. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin and chief trade negotiator Helene Budliger Artieda, who arrived in Washington on Wednesday, are hopeful that the tariffs could be reduced to 15%, aligning with those of Switzerland’s EU neighbors.
In exchange, Swiss pharmaceutical giants have offered to build more production plants in the US, and Swiss International Airlines may shift its fleet from Airbus to Boeing. Despite these efforts, Swiss industries remain anxious, with some companies warning of potential staff furloughs if the tariffs persist. As a last resort, Swiss officials may call on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a long-time friend of Trump, to intervene. Infantino, who visited the Oval Office in August with the FIFA World Cup trophy, has also announced a new FIFA world peace prize, to be unveiled in Washington DC on December 5. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, but the stakes are high for both nations.
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EU appoints first military advisor to Turkey
In a significant move to bolster strategic cooperation, the European Union has appointed its first military advisor to Turkey earlier this month, according to a Western official familiar with the matter. This decision reflects ongoing discussions in Brussels about Turkey’s pivotal role in the broader European security framework, particularly in light of the geopolitical shifts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Colonel Adam Grzymkowski, formerly Poland’s defence attaché in Ankara, has been named as the military advisor to the head of the EU delegation in Turkey, as reported by TurDef, a Turkish defence-focused news outlet. In a reciprocal arrangement, Turkey will also appoint a defence advisor to its mission in Brussels. Both advisors will operate under diplomatic status, emphasizing the diplomatic rather than formal military nature of their roles.
The EU has been actively enhancing its dialogue with Ankara over the past year, marked by increased high-level visits and coordination meetings. Europe increasingly acknowledges the necessity of Turkey’s cooperation in countering Russian influence. A senior German official highlighted the importance of deepening defence partnerships with Turkey, particularly in areas such as military drone technology, where Turkey has demonstrated significant advancements.
Additionally, the EU plans to appoint a diplomat focused on sanctions compliance, specifically targeting Russia’s ‘black fleet,’ which transports sanctioned oil. This move aligns with Turkey’s decision to reduce Russian oil imports in October following new US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
The appointment of a military advisor underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkey, recognizing its strategic importance in regional security and defence cooperation.
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Why Gen-Z has a complicated relationship with money
Generation Z’s relationship with money is markedly different from that of previous generations. While earlier generations often prioritized materialism and immediate financial gains, Gen-Z is navigating a more nuanced and complex financial landscape. This generation spends, saves, and invests, but their approach is shaped by the accessibility of digital tools, the allure of quick financial wins, and a broader awareness of systemic inequalities.
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Resura Real Estate launches advisory-led investment model to protect international buyers in the UAE
Resura Real Estate has unveiled a pioneering advisory-led investment model aimed at protecting international investors navigating Dubai’s dynamic property market. Departing from conventional brokerage services, the firm offers a structured, consultative approach that supports clients through every phase of their investment journey — from acquisition and legal structuring to asset management and long-term protection. Rooted in education, compliance, and strategic clarity, Resura’s model ensures investors make informed decisions while avoiding common pitfalls in the UAE market. Many foreign buyers often lack understanding of local legal frameworks, inheritance planning, or international fund transfer processes, which can lead to costly delays or unexpected expenses. Resura addresses these challenges through its core advisory services, including tailored investment structuring, asset management, legal and inheritance planning, regulated international fund transfer guidance, and exit and diversification strategies. Muhammad Rahman, CEO of Resura Real Estate, emphasized the importance of establishing proper legal frameworks to safeguard assets and legacy. He also highlighted the firm’s role in optimizing international fund transfers by connecting clients with regulated FX partners to minimize costs and ensure compliance. Resura’s advisory-first approach sets a new standard for transparency and trust in UAE real estate investment, prioritizing investor protection over sales volume.
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BBC apologises to Trump over Panorama edit but refuses to pay compensation
The BBC has issued an apology to former US President Donald Trump for a Panorama episode that inaccurately edited his speech, creating the false impression that he had directly incited violence. However, the corporation has firmly rejected Trump’s demand for compensation. The controversial edit, which aired in 2024, spliced segments of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, leading to widespread criticism and the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness. The BBC acknowledged the error in its Corrections and Clarifications section, stating that the edit unintentionally misrepresented the sequence of Trump’s remarks. Despite the apology, the BBC maintains that there is no basis for a defamation claim. Trump’s legal team has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion unless a retraction, apology, and compensation are provided. This incident follows a similar controversy in 2022, when a Newsnight programme also edited Trump’s speech, prompting further scrutiny of the BBC’s editorial practices. The BBC has assured that it adheres to the highest editorial standards and is investigating the matter.
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British billionaire Joe Lewis is pardoned by Trump for insider trading and conspiracy crimes
In a controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to British billionaire Joe Lewis, the 88-year-old magnate whose family trust owns the Tottenham Hotspur soccer club. Lewis had been fined $5 million in January 2024 after pleading guilty to insider trading and conspiracy charges in New York. The pardon, revealed by a White House official on Thursday, allows Lewis to seek medical treatment and visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the United States. Lewis’s legal troubles stemmed from allegations that he shared nonpublic information about publicly traded companies with friends, employees, and romantic interests between 2019 and 2021, enabling them to profit from the tips. Despite the severity of the charges, Lewis avoided prison time in April 2024 when a federal judge cited his declining health and a lifetime of philanthropic contributions. During his sentencing, Lewis expressed remorse, stating, ‘I made a terrible mistake. I’m ashamed,’ and vowed to rebuild trust for the remainder of his life. In addition to the $5 million fine, Lewis and his company, Broad Bay Limited, agreed to pay over $50 million in financial penalties. Lewis, whose fortune was once estimated by Forbes at over $6 billion, has extensive investments in real estate, biotechnology, energy, and agriculture. He acquired a stake in Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 and oversaw the construction of its state-of-the-art stadium. While Lewis relinquished operational control of the club in 2022, his family trust remains the majority owner of ENIC, the holding company that owns the team. Lewis’s Tavistock Group controls over 200 companies globally, and his art collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, and Degas. His business ventures also include collaborations with celebrities like Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake.
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Marco Rubio: US knows who is arming Sudan’s RSF and it must end
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the supply of weapons and financial support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at the conclusion of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio revealed that the US government is aware of the entities providing these resources and is actively engaging with them to cease their involvement. He stressed that the continuation of such support would have severe repercussions on both the providers and the global community. Rubio refrained from explicitly naming the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the primary backer of the RSF, despite widespread reports and accusations. However, he highlighted the role of the Quad—a diplomatic initiative involving the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—in addressing the Sudanese conflict. Rubio expressed concern that the Quad process should not serve as a shield for those perpetuating the violence. The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, has been accused of committing systematic atrocities, including murder, rape, and sexual violence against civilians. Survivors of the siege of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, have recounted harrowing experiences of mass executions, sexual violence, and looting by RSF fighters. Satellite imagery has further corroborated the existence of mass graves in the region. Rubio underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that humanitarian groups have reported fewer refugees than anticipated, suggesting that many may have perished or are too ill to flee. The UAE has denied allegations of its involvement, dismissing reports as fabrications. Meanwhile, Egypt and Turkey have pledged increased support for the SAF, and there are suspicions of Iranian backing for Sudan’s army. Rubio called for immediate action to end the atrocities and emphasized the need for accountability and compliance with humanitarian ceasefires.
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Khaleej Times back with 4th edition of Banking Innovation & Technology Summit
Khaleej Times is set to host the 4th edition of the Banking Innovation & Technology Summit (BIT’25) on November 18, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. This premier event aims to foster innovation between the fintech and banking sectors, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in shaping the financial landscape of the region. Following this, on November 20, 2025, the inaugural GCC GRC Day will take place, powered by Swiss GRC as the Presenting Sponsor. This event will focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), bringing together board members, C-suite executives, compliance leaders, and regulators from across the Gulf to discuss strategies for an AI-driven economy. Key topics will include enterprise resilience, third-party risk management, AI governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory transformation. The GCC GRC Day promises to deliver actionable insights and foster strategic collaborations to enhance organizational resilience and accountability. ‘The GCC GRC Day reflects our commitment to advancing the regional GRC agenda through meaningful dialogue and shared expertise,’ said Yahya Mao, Chief Marketing Officer at Swiss GRC. For registration and partnership opportunities, visit www.khaleejtimes.com/events or contact Events@KhaleejTimes.com.