HGV and poultry worker visa applications are taking up to three weeks to process, exacerbating supply chain issues.
Ministers have acknowledged that visa applications for foreign HGV drivers and poultry workers, invited to the UK to help alleviate Christmas supply shortages, are taking up to three weeks to process. This delay has sparked concerns, as only about 20 applications from foreign lorry drivers have been processed so far amid the ongoing supply chain crisis.
With many applicants not expected to arrive until mid-November, their limited time in the UK raises doubts about their ability to address the expected shortages in toys, turkeys, and festive food items like pigs in blankets, which are further compounded by Brexit and the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic.
Earlier this month, the government announced the introduction of time-limited visas for up to 5,000 HGV drivers and 5,500 poultry workers, aiming to relieve supply chain pressures in the lead-up to Christmas. Additionally, 300 more haulage drivers have been invited to arrive immediately, with permission to stay until the end of March, to address fuel shortages.
