UK Extends the Seasonal Work Visa for Five Years: Qualifications and How to Apply. Foreign workers are now permitted to work in temporary agricultural positions according to the UK government’s five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa program. Although the program addresses labour shortages, worries about worker abuse persist.
Farmers and food producers can now engage foreign workers on temporary contracts according to the UK government’s five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme.
The Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendations, which emphasised the persistent lack of seasonal employment in agricultural, were followed by this decision. Concerns about worker rights and exploitation still exist, though.
The UK Seasonal Work Visa: What is it?
Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and other farm-related jobs are among the temporary agricultural jobs for which foreign workers can apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa.
The Seasonal Worker Scheme, which was implemented in 2019 after Brexit, was designed to alleviate labour shortages by providing temporary visas to foreign workers, hence limiting access to European workers.
Important Aspects of the Extended Scheme
- Workers with the visa can remain in the UK for a maximum of six months.
- There will be 45,000 visas available in 2025.
- Approved scheme operators oversee the scheme.
- Employees can only work in the poultry and horticulture industries.
Allocation of Seasonal Worker Visas for 2025
The granting of 45,000 visas for seasonal workers in 2025 has been confirmed by the UK government:
- 43,000 visas for jobs in horticulture, such as harvesting flowers and collecting fruits and vegetables.
- 2,000 worker visas are required for chicken processing and related jobs between October 2 and December 31.
Qualifications for the Seasonal Employee Visa
In order to apply for a UK seasonal worker visa, candidates need to fulfil the following prerequisites:
- Offer of Employment: Obtain employment through a program operator authorised by the Home Office.
- The minimum age requirement is eighteen years of age.
- Sponsorship: A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer is required.
- Financial Requirement: Upon arrival, demonstrate that they have saved at least £1,270 to maintain themselves.
- No Dependents: Employees are not permitted to bring family members on the visa.
Quick Seasonal Worker Visa Application Process
Locate an Approved Scheme Operator: Candidates must first obtain employment through a recruitment firm that has been approved by the UK government.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer provides a CoS that includes information on the job and sponsorship for a visa.
- Apply Online: Use the UK government’s website to submit your visa application.
- Fee Payment and Biometrics: Pay the £264 visa application fee and show up for a biometrics appointment.
- Await Decision: If you’re applying from outside the UK, the processing time usually takes three weeks.
Employee Rights and Exploitation Concerns
Labour rights organisations have voiced concerns about worker exploitation despite the program’s significance in addressing labour shortages. The inability of many seasonal workers to quit abusive employment stems from their attachment to particular employers.
Issues including unpaid pay, long work hours, and subpar living circumstances are highlighted in reports by groups like Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX).
“Seasonal Worker Visa holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace,” said Kate Roberts, head of policy at FLEX, in reference to the scheme’s design.
The wellbeing of visa holders is a primary issue, and the UK government has promised that it is taking action to prevent worker abuse.
Important Points to Remember
- The visa has a short validity period, usually no more than six months.
- Only the scheme operator that sponsored your visa is eligible for your employment.
- Make sure you are aware of your rights and obligations as a seasonal employee.
Concluding remarks
Foreign workers can continue to find employment in the agricultural sector thanks to the continuation of the UK Seasonal Worker Scheme. Even though applying for a visa is a fairly simple process, prospective candidates should be informed of their rights and the difficulties they may face.
A successful and equitable experience for individuals looking for temporary work in the UK depends on finding employment through a respectable scheme operator.
Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work)