The UK government has confirmed a five-year extension of its Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers on short-term contracts. Initially set to conclude in 2021, the scheme was previously extended at the request of the National Farmers Union (NFU) until 2024 and will now run until 2029. Seasonal workers can stay in the UK for up to six months. In 2025, the government will allocate 45,000 visas for seasonal employment, with 43,000 designated for horticulture roles such as fruit and vegetable picking and 2,000 reserved for poultry processing between October 2 and December 31. Only workers employed by approved scheme operators will be eligible.
To qualify for the Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must secure a job offer from 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. Visa holders are not permitted to bring dependents to the UK. The application process requires securing employment through an approved recruitment agency, receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer, submitting an online visa application, paying a £264 fee, and attending a biometric appointment. Processing times generally take about three weeks.
Despite the extension, concerns persist regarding the exploitation and rights of seasonal workers. Reports indicate that many workers are tied to specific employers, limiting their ability to leave unsafe or abusive workplaces. Kate Roberts, Head of Policy at Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX), highlighted these concerns, stating that Seasonal Worker Visa holders have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace. Workers are advised to seek employment through reputable scheme operators to ensure fair treatment and adherence to labor regulations.
