NARITA AIRPORT ALLOWS FOREIGN CARGO VEHICLE DRIVERS WITHOUT JAPAN LICENSES

CHIBA (Japan), Jan 31 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- A programme allowing foreign workers without Japanese driver's licences to operate freight transportation vehicles on aircraft parking aprons has begun at Narita Airport near Tokyo in an effort to address a severe labour shortage, Kyodo News reported.

The first such programme in Japan shortens the time required for workers to begin operating cargo vehicles by eliminating the need to convert a foreign licence to a Japanese one, a process that usually takes around six months.

Two employees from JAL Ground Service Co., a Japan Airlines Group company responsible for handling airport ground operations, received permission to drive in mid-January following the programme's commencement in the previous month.

Thet Wai Phooe, a 23-year-old Myanmar national, said she was happy to secure approval for vehicle operation sooner and feels more motivated at work.

Workers must receive training in airport ground handling operations, undergo an evaluation at a driving school and pass an exam before being permitted to drive in limited areas. They are also required to take an annual driver aptitude test.

JAL Ground Service said another 15 Myanmar nationals are planning to take the exam.

As airlines in Japan expand hiring of foreign workers under the government's Specified Skilled Worker visa programme, they have run into problems because those without an International Driving Permit under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic cannot start work immediately.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO