Citybus approved to import 20 NFB drivers

Imported NFB drivers are restricted from other duties beyond the scheme.

The Transport Department has given Citybus Ltd the green light to import 20 non-franchised bus (NFB) drivers, maintaining the required ratio of imported to local labor of one to two for each employer.

The department clarified that the "Labour Importation Scheme for Transport Sector – Public Light Bus (PLB)/Coach Trade," introduced last June, covers both PLB and NFB sectors, excluding franchised bus drivers.

Citybus, holding relevant licenses for NFB services, is eligible to import drivers under the scheme.

The department emphasized that only NFB services, not franchised services, were considered in Citybus's application.

Additionally, Citybus was reminded that imported NFB drivers are restricted from other duties beyond the scheme, including driving franchised bus routes.

The department said it will monitor closely, and any breach will result in revoked approvals and exclusion from the scheme for two years.

It added that employers must ensure timely arrival of drivers for training and licensing tests.

Moreover, imported drivers must complete route training and meet the same requirements as local drivers in driving tests.