UK Announces 5-Year Extension of Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme

The UK government has unveiled a significant boost for the food and agriculture sector with a five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker visa scheme.

This move, effective until 2029, aims to address ongoing labour shortages while providing businesses with time to invest in automation technologies and attract domestic workers.

Addressing Labour Shortages

In response to John Shropshire’s Independent Review, the government acknowledges the critical role migrant workers play in the food supply chain. The extended Seasonal Worker Visa scheme offers much-needed stability for farms and food businesses, allowing them to plan effectively for seasonal labour needs.

Key Points of the Extension

For 2025, the government has allocated 43,000 visas to the horticulture sector and an additional 2,000 visas for the poultry industry. The specifics regarding visa numbers for the years 2026 to 2029 will be detailed later this year.

Notably, this represents a reduction of 2,000 visas from previous allocations, along with the elimination of an additional 10,000 visas that could have been made available based on sector demand.

• Five-year extension: The Seasonal Worker visa scheme will be available until 2029.
• Focus on automation: The government is committed to supporting technological advancements to reduce reliance on migrant labour in the long term.

Also Read: 11 Countries with Skill Shortages & Work Visa Options in 2024

Enhancing Domestic Workforce Appeal

While the visa extension provides immediate relief, the government is also actively working to make the food and agriculture sector a more attractive career option for domestic workers. This includes:

• Regional recruitment strategies: Tailored plans to connect job seekers with opportunities in their local areas.
• Industry-education collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships between educational institutions and food producers to bridge the skills gap.

Seasonal Worker Visa Explained

The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to undertake temporary work in specific sectors within the UK. Currently, it caters to:

• Horticulture: Up to 6 months for activities like picking fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Poultry: From October 2nd to December 31st for poultry production.

To qualify, applicants need a job offer from a registered sponsor and meet the visa eligibility criteria.

Also Read: Graduate Visa Route to Stay: What This Means for Students in the UK

Sponsorship Requirements

Employers seeking to recruit seasonal workers must be approved sponsors under the Seasonal Worker route. There are existing overarching bodies (scheme operators) authorized to sponsor workers in poultry and horticulture. Individual employers cannot apply for a sponsor license on this specific route.

Ensuring Compliance

Employers granted a licence must adhere to all sponsor duties, including additional responsibilities specific to approved scheme operators. Non-compliance could result in licence downgrading, suspension, or revocation.

Upcoming Review

The Migration Advisory Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the Seasonal Worker visa route is expected to be published in the summer of 2024, which may provide further insights and recommendations for the future.

Also Read: UK to Implement Digital Immigration System: Here’s What You Need to Know

Conclusion

The extended Seasonal Worker visa scheme provides a vital lifeline for the UK’s food industry while encouraging long-term solutions through automation and domestic workforce development. This move offers greater stability for businesses and paves the way for a more sustainable agricultural sector in the years to come.