Updated 5.40pm
The number of third-country nationals employed as cab drivers and couriers dropped by 1,030, or 19% in the past five months as a government clampdown on new work permits came into force.
According to Jobsplus statistics tabled in parliament, as of 19 November, 4,227 third-country nationals were employed as cab drivers and couriers, of whom, 3171 were full-time and 1056 were part-time.
In June there were 4,024 full-time and 1,233 part-time cab drivers and couriers- a total of 5,257.
Home Affairs Byron Camilleri provided the figures in reply to a parliamentary question by PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut.
Camilleri was also asked how many 'blue papers' were issued to the drivers. Blue papers are the documents provided to TCNs who apply for a change of employer, designation and renewal. Camilleri did not respond to that question.
The significant drop in drivers came after the government in July announced it would not accept any work-permit applications in the courier and cab sectors except for those renewing their permits. Camilleri had also accused cab companies of exploiting food couriers and said they would be barred from hiring new workers from outside the EU because the market had reached saturation point.
'Who is driving these cars if supply decreased?'
Reacting to figures released on Wednesday, the Light Passenger Operators Association (LPOA) said despite the drop of TCNs in the sector, illegal practices within the industry remained “widespread and systematic”.
A LPOA spokesperson said the so-called '50:50 illegal model' remained the dominant form of “employment” across most fleets. The 50:50 model is where drivers would work with similar conditions as a self-employed driver.
“While there was public concern over high prices during the peak summer months, current prices have returned to 2023 levels,” the spokesperson said.
“This indicates that the market remains oversupplied, similar to when a large number of third country-nationals were being employed. Additionally, we continue to observe significant growth within certain fleets, mainly the big players that keep expanding.”
“So this raises the question: who is driving these cars if the supply of drivers has decreased?”The spokesperson also highlighted the need to make a distinction between couriers and cab drivers when providing figures.