UK: Government Announces Temporary Visas for HGV Drivers and Poultry Workers

October 2, 2021


In response to the ongoing crisis of a shortage of haulage drivers to move fuel and other supplies across the UK, the government has announced that Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers and poultry workers will be eligible for temporary visas.

The temporary measures will allow for 5500 for poultry workers, available from October 2021 until 24 December 2021 and 5000 visas for HGV drivers.

HGV Drivers

The Home Office released a statement on 2 October 2021 confirming that, between 1 October 2021 until 15 October 2021, temporary measures will allow non-visa nationals to work as HGV fuel tanker drivers. Individuals entering the UK during this concession period will be granted a short-term visa outside of the Immigration Rules, valid until 31 March 2022.

Eligibility requires that the individual:

  • is a non-visa national;
  • holds an EU, EEA or Swiss licence to drive HGV fuel tankers (HGV category C or C+E plus current accreditation for the transport of fuel further to the international convention about dangerous goods transport);
  • has been issued with an HGV fuel driver’s endorsement letter by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS); and
  • arrives in the UK for the purpose of undertaking employment as an HGV fuel tanker driver between 1 October 2021 and 15 October 2021 and will not claim any public funds.

Individuals seeking to enter the UK under this concession must show a valid national passport and their HGV fuel driver’s endorsement letter to a UK Border Force officer. Upon arrival to the UK, individuals must not go through an e-gate as they will need to be stamped-in by UK Border Force officers.

Our Advice

Employers that may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.