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The United Kingdom (UK) has opened application portals for the temporary visa scheme for poultry workers and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.
The UK Government had in September said it would grant short-term work visas to foreign truck drivers and poultry workers until for three months.
Eligible persons are expected to enter and work in the UK for three months in the run-up to Christmas to provide “short-term relief for the haulage industry.”
The shortage of truck drivers in the UK has been exacerbated by the pandemic, an aging workforce, poor working conditions, and post-Brexit immigration policy.
Grant Shapps, UK Transport Secretary, had said the visa scheme would ease the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s haulage and food industry.
The UK Government will grant temporary visas to 5,500 poultry workers and 4,700 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers who are expected to transport food goods.
To apply, the UK Home Office directed applicants to contact a scheme operator for the application processes.
The four identified scheme operators are;
Interested applicants can visit the websites of the operators for more information on how to submit their details and complete the application process.
According to the UK Government, poultry workers must apply under the temporary visa scheme by November 15, 2021, adding that it will expire on December 31, 2021.
For HGV food drivers, they are expected to apply by December 1, 2021, and the visa will expire on February 28, 2022.