National Road Carriers Association (NRC) welcomes confirmation today by Minister of Immigration and Transport Michael Wood that Class 4 and 5 truck drivers will be able to apply for residency from 29 September, if they’ve completed a two-year work requirement.
NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers said the two-year work to residence for truck and bus drivers had been agreed with the transport sector and was first announced in December 2022.
Mr Tighe-Umbers said a road transport worker shortage was one of the four big issues faced by the road transport industry along with investment in roads, the transition to low-emissions transport and reimagining the supply chain.
“This worker shortage has existed for several years but has been exacerbated by the lack of supply of drivers from overseas following COVID-19 restrictions, heightened domestic and international competition for workers generally and a driver population currently skewed to an older demographic.
“We have been calling on the Government to implement immigration policy changes to provide a clear and simple path to residency for immigrants who are truck drivers and today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”
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For more information please contact:
Tim Marshall, Wright Communications, tim@wrightcommunications.co.nz, 021 902 850
