- The UK government extended the seasonal workers visa scheme for five years, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers in short-term contracts.
- The policy was supposed to expire in 2021, but the National Farmers Union (NFU) has requested an extension of three years until 2024. It was extended again.
The UK government extended the seasonal workers visa scheme for five years, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers in short-term contracts.
The policy was supposed to expire in 2021, but the National Farmers Union (NFU) has requested an extension of three years until 2024. It was extended again.
This aims to address the chronic scarcity of agricultural seasonal workers.
According to TravelBiz, the decision follows recommendations from the Immigration Advisory Committee (MAC), which highlights the labour demand in the agricultural sector.
Despite the extension, the exploitation and rights of workers under the plan continue.
Key Features of Extension Solutions
The extension enables workers to last for six months in the UK. The UK government will report that it will issue 45,000 seasonal workers visas in 2025.
These workers can only work in the horticulture and poultry sectors and must be participated by approved program operators.
Gardening roles such as fruit and vegetable picking will account for 43,000 visas, while 2,000 visas will be used for poultry handling and related tasks starting from October 2 to December 31.
Applicant’s qualification requirements
Applicants for seasonal workers’ visas must meet various criteria. They must:
- Ensure job opportunities through approved program operators.
- Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and provide confirmation that they have £1,270 savings to support themselves.
- In addition, visas do not allow workers to bring dependents.
Application process
The application process for seasonal workers’ visas is not complicated. Applicants must first obtain employment through an approved recruitment agency. After hiring, you will receive the required sponsorship certificate (COS) for your visa application.
Applicants will next submit their visa application online, pay a £264 application fee, and arrange a biometric appointment. The visa decision-making process usually takes three weeks.
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Labor rights groups reportedly expressed concern about the possibility of exploitation under the seasonal workers’ visa scheme. Because many workers are tied to individual employers, they may not be able to quit smoking insecure or abuse the environment.
Focus on Labor Exploitation (FLEX) policy leader Kate Roberts commented on this issue: “Seasonal Worker Visa Holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions in the workplace, wage theft or sexual harassment.”
The UK government acknowledged these concerns and pointed out that the benefits of visa holders are top priority.
Important considerations for workers
Although seasonal workers’ visas allow short-term employment in the UK, workers’ rights and obligations should be informed. The visa is valid for a fixed period, usually six months, and workers can only work for the program operators that sponsor the visa.
To ensure fair experience, applicants should seek work with well-known program operators.
What to know:
Seasonal Worker Visa is intended for international workers seeking temporary employment in agriculture, including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting and other farm-related responsibilities. The plan, launched in 2019 after Brexit, aims to address labor shortages, especially after restrictions are imposed on European workers entering the UK.
While the extension of the seasonal workers’ visa program continues to create job possibilities in the agricultural industry, workers must be aware of their rights and potential problems.
