The UK government has extended the Seasonal Worker visa system by five years, providing a huge boost to the food and agriculture sector.
This move, effective until 2029, attempts to address labour shortages while giving firms time to develop in automation technologies and attract domestic employees.
Addressing Labour Shortages.
In response to John Shropshire’s Independent Review, the government recognises the essential role that migrant labourers play in the food chain. The extended Seasonal Worker Visa scheme provides much-needed stability for farmers and food enterprises, allowing them to adequately prepare for seasonal employment requirements.
Key Points of the Extension:
For 2025, the government has allocated 43,000 visas to the horticulture sector and an extra 2,000 visas to the poultry business. The specifications of visa numbers for the years 2026-2029 will be released later this year.
Notably, this is a 2,000-visa cut from earlier allocations, as well as the deletion of an additional 10,000 visas that may have been made available based on industry demand.
- The Seasonal Worker visa scheme has been extended for five years, till 2029.
- The government aims to lessen the need for foreign workers by promoting automation.
Enhancing Domestic Workforce Appeal
The government is promoting the food and agriculture sector as a career option for domestic workers, in addition to providing immediate assistance through visa extensions. This includes:
- Regional recruitment methods are tailored to match job seekers with local possibilities.
- Strengthening relationships between educational institutions and food producers to address the skills gap.
Seasonal Worker Visa Explained
The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign people to work temporarily in particular industries of the UK. Currently, it serves:
- Horticulture tasks can last up to 6 months, including picking fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
- Poultry production season runs from October 2nd to December 31st.
To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from a registered sponsor and complete the visa eligibility requirements.
Sponsorship requirements
Employers looking to hire seasonal workers must be approved sponsors through the Seasonal Worker method. Existing umbrella bodies (scheme operators) are authorised to sponsor poultry and horticultural workers. Individual employers cannot apply for a sponsor licence through this particular approach.
Ensuring compliance
Employers who have been given a licence must comply with all sponsor duties, including additional ones for approved scheme operators. Noncompliance may result in a licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation.
Upcoming Review
The Migration Advisory Committee’s ongoing examination into the Seasonal Worker visa route is likely to be reported in the summer of 2024, potentially providing additional insights and recommendations for the future.
Conclusion
The extended Seasonal Worker visa policy is a lifeline for the UK food industry, while also fostering long-term solutions through automation and domestic labour development. This step improves corporate stability and prepares the path for a more sustainable agricultural sector in the coming years.
