UK Might Increase Temporary Visas to Address Lorry Driver Shortage, According to Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that he would continue to monitor immigration policies, indicating that he might not rule out the issuance of additional temporary visas to address a shortage of tanker drivers, which has resulted in fuel scarcity across the country.

Last week, the UK government revealed plans to grant temporary visas to 5,000 foreign truck drivers and 5,500 poultry workers to tackle severe labor shortages that have interrupted fuel supply to gas stations and impacted food production.

According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the UK is currently experiencing a shortfall of approximately 100,000 drivers. This shortage has been attributed to several factors, including workers leaving the industry, the halt of driver training and testing during the pandemic, and post-Brexit immigration regulations that restrict the hiring of drivers from Europe.

During a visit to a hospital, Johnson stated that the government might consider issuing more temporary visas if necessary. “What we have now is a system that allows us to control immigration, and that gives us flexibility. We can open up our markets if required, and of course, we’ll keep everything under review,” he remarked.

Additionally, the government has announced that 200 military personnel will be deployed to assist with fuel delivery starting Monday. The Prime Minister emphasized the desire to avoid a return to a state where the road haulage industry relies heavily on low-wage immigration to sustain itself.