Concerns are mounting over potential bus driver shortages in Wellington, New Zealand, stemming from stringent English language requirements for residency. Councillors, industry groups, and drivers are warning of a possible return to service disruptions.
Immigration Requirements Under Scrutiny
A 2022 residency pathway for bus drivers requires applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to that of a post-graduate international student. This necessitates a score of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or an equivalent score on another accepted exam.
Drivers have voiced concerns that the required English level is excessively high, with over 500 presenting a petition to Parliament in January requesting a relaxation of the rules. Approximately 45 Wellington bus drivers currently face uncertainty regarding their ability to remain in the country.
Potential Consequences and Mitigation Efforts
Greater Wellington regional council public transport committee chair Ros Connelly expressed worry that the current settings could lead to drivers leaving the country. She noted the difficulty of the test involves “not only english language understanding, but also comprehension of quite difficult concepts.”
Metlink’s senior manager of operations, Paul Tawharu, stated that operators are “extremely confident” there is no immediate risk to service, citing domestic recruitment and training initiatives. Operators are reportedly establishing English language schools within bus depots and utilizing New Zealand drivers on sick abandon to assist colleagues with language skills.
However, Connelly fears a shortage in two years when current visa extensions expire. Drivers who fail the residency test can apply for a two-year extension, but a second failure would result in their departure from New Zealand.
Industry and Government Response
The Bus and Coach Association chief executive, Delaney Myers, emphasized the desire to avoid a return to the significant driver shortages experienced in 2022 and 2023. She stated that skilled bus drivers do not necessarily require academic-level English to perform their jobs effectively.
Auckland bus driver Ryan Jay Carumba, originally from the Phillipines, shared his experience of failing the residency test and receiving a two-year visa extension. He described the test as requiring a 300-word essay and believes the standard is too high for the job’s requirements. Seven of his colleagues at Ritchies have already left due to these requirements.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford indicated she has no plans to relax the language settings, stating that the pathway was established under the previous government and drivers were aware of the English language requirement. She also expressed confidence that many drivers from around the world will be able to meet the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the required level of English proficiency for bus drivers seeking residency?
Bus drivers applying for residency must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to a post-graduate international student, scoring 6.5 in IELTS or an equivalent score on another accepted exam.
How many Wellington bus drivers are currently affected by these requirements?
According to Metlink, the future of about 45 Wellington bus drivers is currently unclear as they attempt to meet the residency requirements.
What is the government’s current stance on relaxing the language requirements?
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated she is not considering relaxing the language settings, as the requirements were established by the previous government and drivers were aware of them.
Will these immigration policies ultimately impact the availability of public transportation in New Zealand?
