- The UK government has extended the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for another five years, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers on short-term contracts.
- The policy was supposed to expire in 2021, but the National Farmers Union (NFU) has requested a three-year extension until 2024. It has been extended once more.
The UK government has extended the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme for another five years, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers on short-term contracts.
The policy was supposed to expire in 2021, but the National Farmers Union (NFU) has requested a three-year extension until 2024. It has been extended once more.
This is intended to solve the chronic scarcity of seasonal workers in agriculture.
The decision, according to TravelBiz, follows recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which underlined the ongoing labor demand in the agriculture industry.
Despite the extension, worries continue about worker exploitation and rights under the plan.
Key Features of the Extended Scheme
The extension allows workers to remain in the UK for up to six months. According to reports, the UK government will issue 45,000 seasonal worker visas in 2025.
These workers will only be able to work in the horticultural and poultry sectors, and they must be engaged by approved scheme operators.
Horticulture roles, such as fruit and vegetable picking, will account for 43,000 visas, while 2,000 visas will be available for poultry processing and related tasks from October 2nd to December 31st.
Eligibility requirements for applicants
Applicants for the Seasonal Worker Visa must meet various standards. They must:
- Secure a job offer via an approved scheme operator.
- The candidate must be at least 18 years old and offer confirmation that they have £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival.
- Additionally, the visa does not allow workers to bring dependents.
The application process
The application process for the Seasonal Worker Visa is uncomplicated. Applicants must first acquire employment through an approved recruitment agency. Once employed, they will be given a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for the visa application.
Applicants will next submit their visa application online, pay the £264 application cost, and schedule a biometrics appointment. The visa decision process normally takes three weeks.
Concerns
Labor rights organizations, according to reports, have expressed worries about the possibility of exploitation under the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme. Because many workers are bound to individual employers, they may be unable to quit unsafe or abusive environments.
Kate Roberts, the Head of Policy at Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX), commented on the issue: “Seasonal Worker Visa holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The UK government has acknowledged these concerns, stating that the welfare of visa holders is a top priority.
Important Considerations for Workers
Although the Seasonal Worker Visa allows for short-term employment in the UK, workers should be informed of their rights and duties. The visa is valid for a set amount of time, usually six months, and workers can only work for the scheme operator who sponsored their visa.
To ensure a fair experience, applicants should seek employment with reputed program operators.
What to know:
The Seasonal Worker Visa is intended for international workers seeking temporary employment in agriculture, including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and other farm-related duties. The plan, which was launched in 2019 following Brexit, was designed to solve labor shortages, particularly after limitations were imposed on European workers entering the UK.
While the extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme continues to create job possibilities in the agricultural industry, workers must be aware of their rights and potential problems within the system.
