The UK Government Plans 45,000 Seasonal Worker Visas for 2025 to Address Workforce Shortages
The UK government has announced plans to issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025 to help meet labor demands in the agricultural and poultry sectors, particularly during peak seasons.
The visa allocation includes 43,000 visas for workers in the horticulture industry and 2,000 visas for those in poultry processing, ensuring the country’s food production can keep pace with seasonal demand.
2025 Seasonal Worker Visa Allocation
According to TravelBiz, the majority of these visas—43,000—will be allocated to workers in the horticulture sector. These roles include tasks such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower cultivation. The remaining 2,000 visas will be dedicated to workers in the poultry sector, where they will assist with processing tasks, primarily between October and December.
This visa scheme is part of a broader government strategy aimed at ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need to operate effectively during busy periods.
Eligibility Criteria for Seasonal Worker Visa Applicants
To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
- Meet the relevant health and safety standards required for the job.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay in the UK.
- Have valid health insurance coverage during their time in the UK.
Additionally, visa holders are required to leave the UK once their employment ends and cannot switch to another visa type while in the country.
Available Roles and How to Apply
The Seasonal Worker visa covers a range of positions in both the horticulture and poultry sectors. In horticulture, workers may be tasked with planting, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and packing produce. In the poultry sector, workers will typically engage in duties such as feeding and caring for the birds, collecting eggs, and assisting with processing.
To apply for a Seasonal Worker visa, candidates must:
- Secure a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer.
- Submit their visa application through the UK government’s online immigration portal.
Applications for poultry roles must be submitted by November 15 each year, while horticulture roles have year-round application windows.
The Role of Technology in the Future of Agriculture
The UK government is also focused on balancing seasonal labor requirements with technological innovation. TravelBiz reports that the government is investing in automation technologies—such as robotic harvesters and other advanced tools—to help reduce the dependency on foreign workers, while improving the efficiency of the agricultural sector.
This move toward automation is expected to offer long-term benefits for the food production industry, creating a more sustainable workforce model and improving productivity.
What to Know
In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa scheme for another five years, ensuring it will be available until 2029. This extension allows businesses time to adapt and invest in technology that can support their workforce needs.
Additionally, the government has pledged up to £50 million to support innovation in agriculture, including funding for the development of robotics and other automation technologies aimed at reducing reliance on seasonal workers.
