Driver shortage hits transport firms in UAE

Dubai: Shortage of drivers has hit transport companies hard, forcing them to cancel contracts or pay higher salaries to attract staff.

"We had to cancel over 10 contracts because we cannot cope with the shortage. It is impossible to have one driver operating two buses at a time, and drivers are asking too much of a high salary for us to match," said Kamran Ahmad, manager, Fancy Transport.

The average salary for a driver has gone up from Dh1,500 six months ago to Dh2,500 now. The average starting salary for a heavy-vehicle driver has shot up from Dh1,750 to Dh3,500 in the last five months.

"The supply of drivers has become dry within a year. I do not know the reason for this, but what I know that they are asking for very high wages. Some have even asked for a salary of Dh5,000, which is too high a cost for the company to bear," said Hussain Khan, who works at a contracting and trading company.

Soaring demand

The demand is soaring as companies have placed advertisements in newspapers, with the hope that somebody will take up the job position. "Some companies are willing to pay up to Dh3,000, so it is natural for the drivers to work in those companies. The market has turned into a bidding war, as everybody is trying to employ drivers at whatever cost necessary," said Shibu Sethumatham.

Managers of transport companies attributed several reasons for the shortage, including last year's amnesty period and the lack of leniency among driving institutes. "Many people left because of the amnesty and the shortage of people is now hitting us hard. Companies have also resorted to contacting hired drivers and offering them higher salaries, which has caused many to resign," said Sethumatham.

The lack of leniency among driving institutes is also aggravating the situation as people wishing to obtain a heavy-vehicle driving licence have up to a six-month waiting list.

"People who want a heavy-vehicle licence can register for Dh4,700. However, there is a six-month waiting list for that," said an employee at Al Belhasa Driving Centre.