The UK has announced the allocation of 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas for 2025 to help with labour shortages in the agriculture and poultry sectors. Of these, 43,000 visas are for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry, supporting the UK’s food production while encouraging innovation and automation in the industry.
Here’s an overview of what this means for prospective applicants, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
About the Seasonal Worker Visa The Seasonal Worker visa allows international workers to take on temporary jobs in the UK’s horticulture and poultry sectors. This visa is intended for farm and poultry industry workers to help meet demand during peak seasons. Launched as a replacement for the old Temporary Worker visa, the program offers a clear route for foreign nationals to support the UK’s food production needs.
2025 Visa Allocation: Key Details For 2025, the visa allocation breaks down as follows:
- Horticulture: 43,000 visas for seasonal roles, such as picking fruits and vegetables and harvesting flowers.
- Poultry: 2,000 visas for roles between October 2 and December 31 to support poultry processing.
This allocation allows agricultural and poultry businesses to better plan for seasonal demand and ensures they have enough workers when they need them most.
Program Extension In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa route for five more years, ensuring its availability until 2029. This extension aims to give businesses the time to:
- Invest in Automation: The UK has allocated up to £50 million to fund robotics and other technology to reduce reliance on migrant labour.
- Adopt Sustainable Practices: By promoting automation, the government hopes to create a long-term, sustainable food production industry.
Eligibility for the Seasonal Worker Visa To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, applicants need to meet specific requirements, including:
- Sponsorship: Applicants must have a certificate from a licensed UK employer specifying the type of work they’ll be doing in the horticulture or poultry sector.
- Return Requirement: Seasonal Worker visa holders must leave the UK when their visa expires and can’t switch to other visa types while in the UK.
Other Key Criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Skill Requirements: The necessary skills and qualifications for the role.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Applicants must meet health standards for the job.
- Clean Criminal Record: No convictions that would bar entry to the UK.
- Financial Requirements: Sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for any medical emergencies.
Work Duration and Application Periods
- Horticulture: Seasonal workers in horticulture can work for up to six months, primarily in tasks like picking fruit, harvesting vegetables, and gathering flowers.
- Poultry: Seasonal poultry work is available from October 2 to December 31, to help meet holiday season demand.
When and How to Apply
- Poultry Visa: Applications must be submitted by November 15 each year to cover peak demand in late fall.
- Horticulture Visa: Applications are accepted year-round, providing flexibility for workers based on the crop seasons.
Application Steps:
- Get a Sponsor Certificate: Obtain sponsorship from a licensed UK employer who will confirm your employment details in horticulture or poultry.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the UK government’s portal, providing your documentation and sponsorship details.
- Wait for Approval: Processing times vary, so apply well in advance to avoid delays.
Jobs Available in Horticulture and Poultry The Seasonal Worker Visa covers several roles with specific responsibilities:
- Horticulture:
- Planting, transplanting, pruning, weeding, harvesting fruits and vegetables
- Operating machinery like tractors and mowers
- Poultry:
- Feeding and watering birds, cleaning and disinfecting, collecting and grading eggs
- Processing birds and handling tasks related to poultry production
Future Investments in Technology The UK government is also investing in automation in the agricultural sector, with the goal of reducing dependency on seasonal foreign workers. Innovations such as robotic pickers are being introduced to streamline operations and create a sustainable food production industry.
The Seasonal Worker visa program remains a vital resource for the UK’s agriculture and poultry sectors, offering seasonal work opportunities to foreign nationals and supporting local businesses during peak demand. With continued investment in technology, the UK government aims to transition towards a more automated and sustainable food production future.
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