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The UK government has announced the extension of the Seasonal Worker visa route for an additional five years, now set to last until 2029. This extension aims to provide businesses with the time needed to plan effectively, invest in automation, and reduce reliance on migrant labour.
For the year 2025, the horticulture sector will be allocated 43,000 visas, with an additional 2,000 visas designated for the poultry sector. Details regarding the number of visas available for the years 2026 to 2029 will be provided later this year. This adjustment includes a reduction of 2,000 visas and the removal of an additional 10,000 visas that were previously available based on sector demand.
To enhance the appeal of the sector for domestic workers, the government will implement regional recruitment strategies to help jobseekers find roles in food and farming. Additionally, there will be a focus on fostering greater collaboration between the government, industry, and educational providers.
The Migration Advisory Committee's ongoing review of the Seasonal Worker visa route is expected to be published in the summer of 2024.
What is a Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker visa allows overseas nationals to undertake temporary work in specific sectors in the UK. Applicants can apply for this visa to work in:
- The Horticulture Sector: For up to six months, engaging in tasks such as picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
- The Poultry Sector: From October 2 to December 31 of the same year.
To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, applicants must have a job offer from an approved sponsor in the UK and meet the route's eligibility requirements.
Seasonal Worker Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor a Seasonal Worker, the sponsor must be an approved scheme operator with a valid Temporary Worker sponsor license for the Seasonal Worker route.
Currently, several overarching bodies (scheme operators) have been approved for a sponsor license to sponsor workers in poultry production and/or horticulture. No additional scheme operators will be granted a sponsor license for this route without prior approval to become a scheme operator.
Individual employers and organizations are not eligible for a sponsor license on this route, even if they hold a sponsor license for other routes.
Employers with an existing license must adhere to all sponsor duties, including additional responsibilities as an approved scheme operator.
Non-compliance may result in the license being downgraded, suspended, or revoked.
