The situation has sparked a wider debate about migrant treatment, regulatory consistency, and the future of New Zealand’s trucking workforce
New Zealand authorities have cancelled 459 commercial truck licences belonging to Indian-origin drivers after an audit uncovered fraudulent documentation used during licence conversion. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says the cancellations were necessary to maintain road safety and uphold legal standards.
All cancelled licences belonged to individuals born in India, though none were converted directly from India. Most conversions involved documents from the UAE, while smaller numbers came from Australia and Canada. Only two affected drivers were women, with most aged 30–35.
NZTA deputy director of land transport Mike Hargreaves stated that several applicants had submitted “false or altered documentation” to show overseas driving experience. Providing false information during licence applications can result in fines and legal penalties. The agency emphasised that swift action was needed to protect public safety.
However, affected drivers insist they followed legal procedures and passed New Zealand’s theory and practical tests. Many relied on support letters from Middle Eastern agencies—documents NZTA previously accepted but now deems invalid. The abrupt cancellations have caused financial hardship, leading to protests and appeals for reconsideration.
- At a gathering at Takanini Gurdwara, drivers described their struggle
- Several said they lost their only source of income overnight, making it difficult to pay rent or support families
- Community leaders, including MP Parmjeet Parmar, urged the government to find a balanced and humane solution, noting that these workers filled critical gaps in the transport sector
New Zealand has faced a long-standing shortage of truck drivers, with many operators unable to fill vacancies despite months of recruitment efforts. The recent cancellations deepen that strain, raising questions about workforce planning and migrant documentation systems.
NZTA maintains that the action followed a detailed investigation and is essential for keeping roads safe. Drivers from “exempt” countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US face simpler conversion processes, while applicants from non-exempt countries like India must complete additional steps, including a driving test. Authorities argue that stricter verification is necessary to prevent fraud.
