UK to Issue 43,000 Seasonal Worker Visas

The United Kingdom government plans to offer 43,000 seasonal worker visas to the agricultural sector and extend the visa program by five years, continuing until 2029.

This decision follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the largest-ever round of farming grants at the NFU Conference earlier this year, with a total of £427 million available to farmers, doubling investment in productivity schemes.

To address shortages in the food supply chain and reduce reliance on migrant labor through technological investments, the UK is specifically targeting the horticulture sector, with an additional 2,000 visas allocated to the poultry sector in 2025.

The extension of the seasonal worker visa route aims to provide farmers and businesses with ample time to plan and adapt, ensuring stability and clear guidance through 2029.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay stated, “We have a world-class food and drink sector, and the measures announced today will strengthen this by boosting funding for cutting-edge technology that will reduce reliance on migrant labor in the long term. Businesses do best when they can plan effectively for the future, which is why we’ve extended the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 to give farmers and growers the certainty they need to thrive.”

According to Newsmen, individuals can apply for the Seasonal Work Visa (formerly the Temporary Work Visa) to work in the UK’s horticulture sector for up to six months, performing tasks such as picking fruits, vegetables, or flowers. For the poultry sector, the visa applies from October 2 to December 31 each year. Applications for poultry work must be submitted by November 15 annually, while horticulture applications can be made at any time.