The shortage in HGV drivers in Ireland will be exacerbated by changes to visa requirements for workers from South Africa which came into effect this week, according to immigration firm Fragomen.
HGVs transport 75% of Europe's freight, and recent reports from International Road Transport Union suggest that 30% of current HGV drivers will retire by 2026.
The firm says the need to recruit internationally for these roles is crucial.
HGV drivers from South Africa, Australia, Japan and South Korea can work in Ireland with mutual licence agreements.
However, as of this wee, it has now become more difficult for South African nationals.
It says employers recruiting new talent, and also employers bringing over existing employees with South African passports for temporary assignments to Ireland will now experience longer lead times to have these skilled workers on the ground in Ireland.
While the authorities have advised there will be a specific desk in Dublin to process these entry visas, they are currently taking about 8 weeks to process.
Further, South African nationals in South Africa may have to fly to the nearest visa office in their home country for their applications to be received, as visa centres will only be located in three cities.
Stephen McCrea, Senior Immigration Manager at Fragomen Ireland said, "Making recruitment by Irish employers of this important group more onerous is arguably an overreaction of a response to issues in our immigration system. Especially when there are consequences such as impacts on essential workers such as drivers who are fundamental to keeping our economy moving and imported goods coming in Ireland."
He said holders of licences issued by countries with which Ireland has an HGV driving licence exchange agreement, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, and Japan, and which are deemed equivalent to Irish CE and C1E licences, may undertake a direct 'swap' for Irish licences if they choose to take up residence and work.
"This will, however, be particularly complicated for drivers of South African nationality, with the new visa changes", added Stephen McCrea.
As of 2022, close to 16,000 South African nationals reside in Ireland. New entry visa requirements will inevitably also make it more difficult for their families and friends to visit them in Ireland.
Similarly, Irish nationals in South Africa with non-Irish dependant children and spouses will also now experience delays in returning to Ireland, whether for work or visiting family.
