London, UK – The UK government has officially extended its Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for another five years, enabling farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers for temporary agricultural roles. The decision follows recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which emphasized the persistent shortage of seasonal labor in agriculture. However, labor rights groups have raised concerns about worker exploitation within the scheme.
Overview of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa allows overseas workers to take up temporary agricultural jobs, including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and other farm-related tasks. Originally introduced in 2019 post-Brexit, the scheme was designed to address labor shortages by replacing the previously unrestricted access to European workers with a structured visa system.
Key Features of the Extended Scheme
Visa duration: Up to six months.
45,000 visas available for 2025.
Managed through Home Office-approved scheme operators.
Restricted to employment in the horticulture and poultry sectors.
2025 Visa Allocation
The UK government has confirmed the distribution of visas for seasonal workers in 2025:
Horticulture: 43,000 visas for fruit and vegetable picking, flower harvesting.
Poultry: 2,000 visas for poultry processing between October 2 and December 31.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Job Offer: Secure a position through a Home Office-approved scheme operator.
Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
Sponsorship: The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Financial Requirement: Have at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival.
No Dependents Allowed: Workers cannot bring family members under this visa.
Application Process
Find an Approved Scheme Operator – Secure a job through a UK government-approved recruitment agency.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – Employer issues a CoS detailing job specifics and visa sponsorship.
Apply Online – Submit the visa application via the UK government website.
Pay Fees & Provide Biometrics – Pay the £264 application fee and attend a biometric appointment.
Await Decision – Processing typically takes three weeks for applications from outside the UK.
Concerns Over Worker Exploitation
Despite its role in addressing labor shortages, labor rights organizations have flagged concerns regarding worker exploitation. Many seasonal workers are tied to specific employers, limiting their ability to escape poor working conditions.
Reports from groups like Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) highlight issues such as wage theft, excessive working hours, and inadequate living conditions.
Kate Roberts, Head of Policy at FLEX, criticized the scheme, stating, “Seasonal Worker Visa holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The UK government insists it is taking measures to protect seasonal workers, emphasizing that their welfare remains a top priority.
Important Considerations
The visa is valid for a maximum of six months.
Workers must remain employed by their sponsoring operator.
Applicants should fully understand their rights before accepting seasonal work in the UK.
Final Thoughts
The five-year extension of the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme provides continued opportunities for foreign workers in agriculture. However, potential applicants should be cautious and seek employment through reputable operators to ensure fair treatment and proper working conditions.
For those looking for short-term work in the UK, understanding the visa process, rights, and responsibilities is essential for a safe and successful experience.
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
