Due to the current shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers in the UK the government has announced multiple new measures. In addition to introducing free, short and intensive training courses to become HGV drivers for British residents, and sending thank-you letters to British HGV drivers (encouraging those who have left the industry to return), short-term visas have been introduced to encourage overseas HGV drivers to come to the UK to provide short-term relief for the industry. Short-term visas have also been introduced to overseas poultry workers to avoid further pressures on the British food industry in the run-up to Christmas.
What is the new visa scheme?
According to this scheme, 5,000 HGV drivers will be able to come to the UK over a period of 3 months before Christmas, to alleviate the current shortage experienced in the UK’s haulage industry.
The government has also announced 5,500 additional visas for poultry workers for 3 months, to avoid further pressures on the food industry.
When will the new visa schemes begin?
HGV drivers and poultry workers will be recruited from October onwards.
How long will the visa be valid for?
The short-term visas will be valid until 24 December 2021.
However, the government has stressed that the visa schemes will be temporary, meaning overseas HGV drivers and poultry workers should apply as soon as they can.
