In a bid to address labour shortages in its agricultural and poultry sectors, the UK government has announced plans to issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025.
This initiative aims to support the nation’s food production by ensuring sufficient workforce availability during peak demand periods.
The visa allocation includes 43,000 slots for horticultural roles, encompassing tasks like fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower cultivation, while 2,000 visas are designated for poultry sector positions focused on processing tasks between October and December.
The Seasonal Worker visa scheme is intended to provide a temporary labour force for essential roles in food production.
To be eligible for these visas, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, and meet health and safety standards for their respective roles.