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Rabat – In a bid to tackle a pressing labor shortage, Spain’s road transport industry is gearing up to launch a massive recruitment campaign aimed at hiring Moroccan professional drivers.
This move comes as Spanish drivers increasingly shy away from the profession due to its perceived challenges.
According to reports from the Spanish news outlet ABC, the sector is preparing to onboard as many as 26,000 Moroccan professional drivers, signaling a significant shift in recruitment strategies within the industry.
Spain’s agricultural sector has traditionally relied on Moroccan seasonal workers during harvest seasons, with numbers typically not exceeding 18,000. However, this new initiative marks a departure from seasonal hiring practices, with the potential for longer-term employment opportunities.
The allure of competitive salaries, ranging from €1600 to €2000 per month based on experience, is expected to draw a considerable pool of candidates from Morocco.
Read also: Spain to Hire 11,000 Moroccan Seasonal Workers For Strawberry Harvest
According to the ABC report, the move was made possible by recent Spanish government measures allowing the hiring of national drivers, including recognizing Moroccan driver’s licenses.
Under the new protocol signed in February, Moroccan drivers can operate in Spain using licenses obtained in their home country, eliminating the need for additional tests or language requirements.
While this move is welcomed by employers grappling with labor shortages, it has sparked concerns among Spanish truck drivers.
Critics argue that the influx of Moroccan drivers could lead to a downward pressure on wages and working conditions in the industry. Many Spanish truck drivers see this recruitment strategy as a threat to their livelihoods, as they had hoped the labor shortage would have enabled them to negotiate better terms.
As details of the recruitment process are yet to be disclosed, the industry remains divided over the implications of hiring Moroccan drivers. While it promises to address immediate staffing needs, questions linger about its long-term impact on the Spanish road transport sector.
