The UK government has announced a five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme, ensuring that farmers and food producers can continue hiring foreign workers on short-term contracts. This decision, which extends the scheme until 2029, comes as a relief to the farming industry, which has long struggled with labor shortages.
Initially set to end in 2021, the program was first extended until 2024 following intense lobbying from the National Farmers Union (NFU). Now, under the new framework, seasonal workers will be allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months.
Starting in 2025, the UK will issue 45,000 visas for seasonal employment. Of these, 43,000 will be allocated to horticulture roles, including fruit and vegetable picking, while 2,000 will be reserved for poultry processing, specifically between October 2 and December 31. Only workers employed by approved scheme operators will be eligible to apply.
To qualify for a Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must secure a job through an approved scheme operator, be at least 18 years old, and provide proof of at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival. However, a strict condition of the visa prohibits holders from bringing dependents to the UK.
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The application process remains relatively simple. Prospective workers must first be hired by an authorized recruitment agency, which will provide them with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). After obtaining the CoS, applicants must submit their visa application online, pay a £264 fee, and attend a biometric appointment. The average processing time is around three weeks.
While the extension is good news for UK farmers, labor rights activists have raised serious concerns about worker exploitation. Reports suggest that many seasonal workers are effectively tied to specific employers, leaving them vulnerable to poor working conditions, wage theft, and even workplace abuse.
Kate Roberts, Head of Policy at Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX), warned that “Seasonal Worker Visa holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Despite the opportunity for temporary employment in the UK, migrant workers are urged to be cautious. Experts advise choosing only reputable scheme operators to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and adherence to labor laws.
