2025: “UK to Issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker Visas.

2025: “UK to Issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker Visas.

By Fly Cable News

The UK government has announced plans to issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025 to help alleviate labor shortages in the agricultural and poultry sectors. The program will allocate 43,000 visas for horticultural roles, including tasks like fruit picking and vegetable harvesting, and 2,000 visas for poultry sector positions, mainly for processing between October and December.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, and meet health and safety standards. The scheme also requires workers to return home after their employment ends, with no option to change their visa status while in the UK.

In addition to expanding the visa program, the UK government is investing up to £50 million in agricultural automation technologies, such as robotic harvesters, to reduce reliance on seasonal labor. The Seasonal Worker visa program has been extended for five years, until 2029, allowing businesses time to integrate technological solutions and create a more sustainable workforce.