In 2025, the government of the United Kingdom intends to fill the labor gaps in the poultry and agricultural sectors by issuing 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas. Horticulture jobs will be granted 43,000 visas, while the poultry sector will gain 2,000. This strategy aims to enhance the United Kingdom’s food production by promoting technological advancements and automation and providing support to producers.
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Seasonal Worker Visa: What is it?
The Seasonal Worker visa offers foreign nationals the chance to work temporarily in the poultry and horticulture sectors of the United Kingdom. This visa provides agricultural enterprises and poultry producers access to seasonal workers during periods of high demand.
This program, which replaces the previous Temporary Worker–Seasonal Worker visa (T5), creates a regulated pathway for temporary employment in the agricultural production sectors of the United Kingdom.
Key Details:
The allocation of Seasonal Worker visas for 2025 is as follows:
Horticulture: 43,000 visas for jobs, including fruit and vegetable picking and flower harvesting.
Poultry: 2,000 visas for jobs from October 2 to December 31, primarily focusing on poultry processing and related tasks.
This allocation guarantees a consistent labor supply, enabling businesses to anticipate seasonal demands effectively.
Seasonal Worker Visa Program Extension
The UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa program for an additional five years in May 2024, guaranteeing its continuation until 2029. This extension provides enterprises with an extra period to:
- Automation Investment: The government has allocated up to £50 million to promote the development of robotics and technology to reduce reliance on migrant labor. Invest in automation.
- Implement Sustainable Practices: Using automated systems, the government aims to establish long-term solutions for a more sustainable food supply chain.
Eligibility for the Seasonal Worker Visa
Applicants must satisfy numerous prerequisites to qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa:
- Sponsorship: A sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer is required for applicants. This certificate must specify the nature of the work they will be performing in the poultry or horticulture sector.
- Return Requirement: Seasonal Worker visa holders are required to depart the United Kingdom upon the expiration of their visa and are prohibited from transferring to other visa categories while in the country.
The following are additional eligibility criteria:
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Qualifications: They should have the requisite qualifications and abilities for the position.
- Health and Safety: The health standards of the sector must be met by applicants.
- Criminal Record: An unblemished criminal record is necessary.
- Funds: Adequate funds must be accessible to facilitate self-support during their visit.
- Health Insurance: It is imperative to have adequate coverage for potential medical emergencies.
Employment Duration:
- Horticulture: Seasonal laborers may be employed for a maximum of six months in positions such as flower picking and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
- Poultry: Employment is restricted from October 2 to December 31 each year.
Applying and the Process:
- Poultry Seasonal Worker Visa: Application for poultry seasonal worker visas must be submitted by November 15 each year to coincide with the seasonal climax in late autumn.
- Seasonal Worker Visa for Horticulture: Applications are accepted year-round for horticulture positions, which provide seasonal flexibility.
Applying Procedure:
To apply for the Seasonal Worker visa, prospective employees must:
- Acquire a Sponsor Certificate: Acquire sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, which should specify the function and employment in poultry or horticulture.
- Finalize the application: Apply online through the immigration portal of the United Kingdom, submitting all required documentation and sponsorship information.
- Awaiting Approval: Applicants must submit their applications before the anticipated commencement date, as processing times may fluctuate.
Available Job Opportunities
Horticulture
- Planting and transplanting
- Pruning and trimming
- Weeding and hoeing
- Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Grading and packing produce
- Operating machinery (e.g., tractors, mowers)
Poultry
- Feeding and watering birds
- Cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses
- Collecting, grading, and packing eggs
- Catching and loading birds for transport
- Vaccinating and medicating birds
- Processing birds in certain roles, including slaughtering
Technology Investments and Future Plans:
The United Kingdom government is dedicated to improving agricultural technology to meet labor requirements with innovative solutions. It is anticipated that investments in automation, such as robotic harvesting, will decrease the dependence on temporary foreign laborers, thereby fostering a more sustainable food production industry in the years ahead.
