UK govt announces 45,000 visas for foreign seasonal workers: Here’s how to apply

LONDON: The Government of United Kingdom (UK) has announced plans to issue 45,000 seasonal worker visas by 2025 to address labour shortages in the agriculture and poultry industries.

Of these visas, 43,000 will be allocated to horticulture, while 2,000 will be given to the poultry sector. The approach aims to boost UK food production by supporting farmers while encouraging technological development and automation.

Here’s an in-depth look at the seasonal worker visa, its eligibility requirements, and essential information for applicants.

For 2025, the Seasonal Worker visa allocation is as follows:

• Horticulture: 43,000 visas for roles such as fruit and vegetable picking and flower harvesting.
• Poultry: 2,000 visas for employment from October 2 to December 31, primarily for poultry processing and related work.

This allocation is designed to ensure a dependable labor supply, allowing businesses to effectively prepare for seasonal demands.

Extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Program

In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa program for another five years, ensuring its continuation through 2029. This extension gives businesses additional time to:

• Invest in Automation: The government has allocated up to £50 million to foster advancements in robotics and technology, aiming to reduce dependence on migrant labor.
• Adopt Sustainable Practices: Through automated systems, the government hopes to create long-term solutions for a more sustainable food supply chain.

Eligibility for the Seasonal Worker Visa

To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Sponsorship: Applicants need a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer, which specifies the type of work they will perform in the horticulture or poultry sector.
• Return Requirement: Seasonal Worker visa holders must leave the UK when their visa expires and cannot switch to other visa types while in the country.

Additional eligibility criteria include:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Skills: They should possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the role.
• Health and Safety: Applicants must meet the sector’s health standards.
• Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required.
• Funds: Sufficient funds must be available for self-support during their stay.
• Health Insurance: Appropriate coverage for potential medical emergencies is necessary.

Duration of Employment

• Horticulture: Seasonal workers can be employed for up to six months in roles like fruit and vegetable harvesting and flower picking.
• Poultry: Employment is limited to October 2 to December 31 each year.

When and How to Apply

• Poultry Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications for poultry roles should be submitted by November 15 each year to align with the seasonal peak in late autumn.
• Horticulture Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications are accepted year-round for horticulture positions, allowing for seasonal flexibility.

Here’s how to Apply

To apply for the Seasonal Worker visa, prospective workers need to:

1. Secure a Sponsor Certificate: Obtain sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, detailing the role and employment in horticulture or poultry.
2. Complete the Application: Apply online via the UK government’s immigration portal, providing necessary documentation and sponsorship details.
3. Await Approval: Processing times may vary, so applicants should apply in advance of the intended start date.

Job Opportunities Available

The Seasonal Worker Visa covers various roles within horticulture and poultry, each requiring specific skills.

Horticulture

• Planting and transplanting
• Pruning and trimming
• Weeding and hoeing
• Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• Grading and packing produce
• Operating machinery (e.g., tractors, mowers)

Poultry

• Feeding and watering birds
• Cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses
• Collecting, grading, and packing eggs
• Catching and loading birds for transport
• Vaccinating and medicating birds
• Processing birds in certain roles, including slaughtering

Future Plans and Technological Investments

The UK government is committed to enhancing technology within agriculture to balance labor needs with innovative solutions. Investments in automation, like robotic harvesting, are expected to reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers, supporting a more sustainable food production industry over the coming years.

What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker visa provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to work temporarily in the UK’s horticulture and poultry industries. This visa helps agricultural businesses and poultry producers by granting them access to seasonal workers during high-demand periods.

Replacing the previous Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5), this program establishes a regulated pathway for temporary employment in the UK’s food production sectors.