The UK government is set to issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025 to address labour shortages in the agricultural and poultry industries, supporting food production during peak demand periods.
Under the new allocation, 43,000 visas will be available for horticultural jobs, including roles in fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower cultivation.
An additional 2,000 visas are reserved for poultry processing tasks, covering the busy period from October to December.
The Seasonal Worker visa scheme is designed to provide temporary labour for essential food production roles.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, meet health and safety requirements, demonstrate adequate funds for their stay, and obtain health insurance.
Visa holders must return to their home countries at the end of their employment and cannot switch to other visa types while in the UK.
The visa covers various tasks specific to each sector: horticultural workers handle planting, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and packing, while poultry workers manage bird care, egg collection, and processing.
To apply, candidates must secure sponsorship from a UK employer before submitting their applications through the UK’s online immigration portal. Applications for poultry roles close by November 15, while horticulture applications are open year-round.
Alongside expanding the Seasonal Worker visa program, the UK government is investing in technology to reduce reliance on seasonal labour.
Up to £50 million will be allocated to automation initiatives, including robotic harvesters, to boost efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
The visa scheme, renewed in May 2024 for five more years, will continue until 2029, giving businesses time to adopt technology solutions for a more sustainable workforce model in the agricultural sector.