Desk Report: The UK government has announced that it will grant 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025 to address labour shortages in the agriculture and poultry sectors.

With 43,000 visas allocated for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry, this decision aims to support the UK’s food production industry while encouraging innovation and automation.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Seasonal Worker visa, its eligibility requirements, and what applicants should know.

What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the UK’s horticulture and poultry sectors. This visa supports farmers, growers, and poultry producers by enabling them to hire seasonal labour to meet industry demands during peak periods.

Introduced to replace the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5), the program provides a structured route for temporary employment in the UK’s food production industry.

2025 Seasonal Visa Allocation: Key Details
The Seasonal Worker visa allocation for 2025 confirms:

Horticulture: 43,000 visas for seasonal roles such as fruit and vegetable picking and flower harvesting.
Poultry: 2,000 visas for workers are needed between October 2 and December 31 for poultry processing and related tasks.
This distribution aims to ensure a reliable labour supply while allowing businesses in these sectors to plan effectively for seasonal demand.

Extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Program
In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa route for an additional five years, securing its availability until 2029. This move aims to give businesses time to:

Invest in Automation:

The UK government has earmarked up to £50 million to fund advancements in robotics and technology to reduce reliance on migrant labour.
Shift to Sustainable Practices: By promoting automated systems, the government hopes to create sustainable long-term solutions for the food supply chain.
Who Can Apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa?
Applicants need to fulfil specific requirements to qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, including:

Valid Sponsorship: Applicants must have a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer. The sponsor confirms the type of work the applicant will undertake in the horticulture or poultry sector.

Return Requirement:

Seasonal Worker visa holders must leave the UK when their visa period ends and cannot switch to other visa types while in the country.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Seasonal Worker visa, you must:

Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Meet specific skill requirements: Possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the job role.
Health and Safety: All applicants should meet the health standards required for the sector.
Have a clean criminal record: Do not have any criminal convictions that could bar you from entering the UK.
Have adequate funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
Have appropriate health insurance: Coverage for any potential medical emergencies.
Work Duration
Horticulture: Seasonal workers can be employed for up to six months for tasks such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower picking.
Poultry: Temporary employment in poultry is limited to the period from October 2 to December 31 each year.
When and How to Apply
Poultry Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications for poultry roles must be submitted by November 15 each year to accommodate the seasonal peak in late fall.
Horticulture Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications for horticulture positions are accepted year-round, allowing flexibility based on seasonal demand.
Steps to Apply
To apply for the Seasonal Worker visa, prospective workers should:

1. Obtain a Sponsor Certificate: Secure a sponsorship from a licensed UK employer who can certify your employment and role in horticulture or poultry.

2. Submit the Application: Complete the application online through the UK government’s immigration portal, providing all necessary documentation and sponsorship details.

3. Wait for Approval: Processing times for the Seasonal Worker visa may vary, so applicants should apply well before the intended start date to ensure timely visa issuance.

What Jobs Are Available?
The Seasonal Worker Visa covers various roles in horticulture and poultry, each with specific duties and skill requirements.

Horticulture

Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
Grading and packing produce
Operating machinery (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
Slaughtering and processing birds (certain roles)
Future Plans and Technological Investments
The UK government’s commitment to advancing technology in agriculture reflects its intent to balance labour needs with innovative solutions.

Investments in automation, like robotic pickers, aim to gradually replace the need for temporary foreign workers, creating a more sustainable food production industry in the coming years.

Conclusion
The Seasonal Worker visa program offers a vital solution for the UK’s horticulture and poultry sectors, supporting businesses during high-demand seasons while providing temporary work opportunities for foreign nationals. With strategic investments in automation, the government is looking toward a future where technology plays a more significant role in the industry

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