The UK government has announced it plans to offer 43,000 seasonal worker visas to the agricultural sector and extend the visa programme for five more years, until 2029.
The decision follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the largest-ever round of farming grants at the NFU Conference earlier this year, with £427 million available to farmers, doubling investment in productivity schemes.
Aimed at addressing shortages in the food supply chain by investing in technology to reduce reliance on migrant labour, the UK is focusing on the horticulture sector and adding 2,000 visas to the poultry sector in 2025.
The extension of the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 provides ample time for planning, adaptation, and stability for farmers and businesses.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay stated, “We have a world-class food and drink sector, and the measures announced today will strengthen this by boosting funding for cutting-edge technology that will reduce reliance on migrant labour in the long term.
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“Businesses do best when they can plan effectively for the future, which is why we’ve extended the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 to give farmers and growers the certainty they need to thrive.”
The seasonal visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5). Individuals can therefore apply for this visa to work in the UK in sectors such as horticulture for up to six months—this includes tasks like picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers—and in poultry from October 2 to December 31 each year.
For those applying for poultry work, applications must be submitted by November 15 annually, while those for horticulture can be made at any time.
Applicants need to have a sponsor and meet other eligibility criteria. This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5).
