Seasonal Worker Visas
The British government has officially confirmed the allocation of 43,000 seasonal worker visas for the horticulture sector and 2,000 for the poultry industry for the upcoming year.
This announcement has been met with approval from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), which has been advocating for a long-term visa scheme to ensure the stability and sustainability of the agricultural industry in the UK.
The decision comes after the NFU has actively campaigned for the recognition of the essential role that seasonal workers play in the farming sector. This advocacy has spanned several months, and even years, particularly during the opposition phase.
Earlier this year, the Conservative government extended the existing seasonal worker scheme through the end of 2024. However, uncertainty loomed over its future continuation following the recent general election, making this announcement particularly significant.
Before the election, NFU President Tom Bradshaw met with Yvette Cooper, the former Shadow Home Secretary, to discuss the scheme’s critical importance.
After Labour’s electoral victory, he reiterated these concerns to the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed.
The NFU has successfully advocated for the Seasonal Worker visa route to be extended for two years, which aligns with the comprehensive evidence they submitted to the government on the necessity of these visas for the agricultural sector.
Coinciding with this announcement, Defra released its 2023 seasonal worker survey, revealing that 91% of respondents had a positive experience while working in the UK, with 95% expressing a desire to return.
Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring food security as a matter of national importance.
He stated that confirming the visa allocation for 2025 provides growers with the certainty they need to plan effectively and secure the labor required for their operations.
In addition to the visa allocation, the government is taking steps to enhance access to labor by implementing compliance checks on farms and conducting welfare assessments for workers in collaboration with international partners.
The NFU’s national poultry board has identified access to labor as a top priority and one of the ten key areas crucial for long-term growth within the horticulture sector.
Regarding visa eligibility and requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a certificate of sponsorship reference number from a UK sponsor.
They must also demonstrate sufficient financial means, typically at least £1,270, to support themselves during their stay in the UK. Employers are required to ensure that jobs meet minimum wage standards and comply with UK working hour regulations.
Applicants need to provide various documents, including proof of funds, a valid passport, and a certified translation of any non-English documents. If sponsors can cover the initial costs for applicants, this must be clearly indicated on the certificate of sponsorship.
The Seasonal Worker visa route is specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to work in temporary roles within the horticulture and poultry sectors, effectively meeting the fluctuating labor demands while maintaining the levels of domestic food production essential for the country’s food security.
The government aims to keep costs manageable and provide stability for these sectors to secure the necessary labor and skills.
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