UK’s migratory migrant visa quota allocation for the forthcoming year has been disclosed. A total of 45,000 visas of this nature will be issued. The poultry sector has been allocated 2,000 units, while the horticulture sector has been allocated 43,000 units.
This government acknowledges that food security is a critical component of national security and that it can only be attained by providing support to food and farming enterprises.
Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 provides cultivators and producers with the assurance necessary to plan and secure the labor required to grow and thrive. This set of measures will also provide assistance to farmers by safeguarding our poultry producers from the effects of avian flu outbreaks and guaranteeing equity in the livestock supply chain.
Check Also: Seasonal Worker Visa in UK for Foreigners – Apply Now
This strategy will foster stability and assist the sector in attracting the personnel and expertise required to provide consumers with premium British products, including daffodils, poultry, rhubarb, and strawberries.
The government is also taking steps to protect poultry producers from the effects of avian influenza and control costs. It is also striving to ensure that sheep producers receive equitable compensation for their livestock by implementing legislation that mandates both sheep carcass classification and price transparency in the supply chain.
Visa Allocations Confirmed and Seasonal Workers Survey Released
The results of the Seasonal Workers Survey have been published by Defra, in addition to the establishment of visa numbers for 2025. This survey is a critical component of Defra’s dedication to the surveillance of the well-being of seasonal migrant laborers, who are essential to the UK’s annual horticulture harvest.
Positive Experience in the UK by Nationality
The respondents from Kazakhstan (93%), Kyrgyzstan (94.7%), and Uzbekistan (96.3%) were the most likely to report a positive or exceptionally positive experience working in the UK.
Uzbek respondents reported the highest likelihood (34.0%) of paying fees to their Labor or Migration Ministry before arriving in the UK among those surveyed. Furthermore, a substantial number of Kazakh (84.9%), Kyrgyz (87.0%), and Tajik (84.9%) respondents reported incurring a variety of advance expenses prior to their arrival in the United Kingdom.
Respondents from Central Asia were the most likely to remain in the UK for extended periods, with 69.1% to 74.3% of individuals from these countries remaining for five months or more. Conversely, only 56.7% of individuals classified as “Other Nationality” remained for comparable periods.
The respondents who were the most likely to receive labor contracts in their first language were Kazakh (67.8%) and ‘Other Nationality’ (74.1%). Furthermore, 86.7% of the Uzbek respondents reported that they were aware of the process for submitting a complaint in the event that it was required.
Benefits of UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2025
- Wages That Are Competitive: In accordance with UK labor laws, employees are compensated fairly, frequently surpassing the minimum wage.
- Entry into the United Kingdom Workforce: Serves as an entryway to acquiring international work experience in the United Kingdom.
- No Requirements for Formal Education: Individuals without advanced educational qualifications are eligible to apply for the visa.
- Temporary Characteristics: The visa is appropriate for individuals who are seeking short-term employment opportunities without long-term commitments, as it is authorized for a maximum of six months.
- Exposure to the United Kingdom Society: Provides an opportunity to engage in agricultural contexts and gain insight into British culture and pastoral life.
- Savings Potential: The accommodations and minimal living expenses in rural areas that are provided to workers allow them to save money during their stay.
- Authorization for Legal Work: The visa guarantees that workers are legally employed and are entitled to protections under UK labor laws.
- Accommodation Assistance: Numerous employers offer low-cost or complimentary lodging in close proximity to the worksite.
- Possibility of Reapplication: Recurring employment opportunities are provided by the ability of workers to reapply for the Seasonal Worker Visa in subsequent years.
- Streamlined Application Process: Licensed UK employers or recruiters frequently facilitate the application process, which is straightforward.
- Contribution to Professional Development: Offers international work experience that can improve resumes and facilitate access to additional global opportunities.
Positive Feedback from Seasonal Workers
The survey indicated that a significant number of respondents (91%) reported a positive experience during their time in the UK, and 95% expressed a desire to return for future employment opportunities.
Government and Industry Collaboration to Improve Worker Welfare
The government is collaborating with industry partners to implement agriculture compliance inspections in order to further improve these figures. These checks guarantee that sponsors fulfill their obligations, conduct welfare checks for workers, and collaborate with international partners to provide workers with clear job expectations, thereby preventing them from incurring superfluous fees and costs.
New Labeling Rules for Egg and Poultry Producers
Farmers will be better equipped to manage the consequences of future avian influenza outbreaks as a result of the implementation of new labeling regulations for poultry and eggs.
Maintaining Free-Range Labeling During Housing Restrictions
At the present time, free-range eggs are only permitted to be identified as such for a period of 16 weeks following the enforcement of mandatory housing orders because of disease prevention measures. The industry has been burdened with substantial expenses as a result of this restriction. The forthcoming modifications will enable eggs to maintain the “free-range” designation during these mandatory lodging periods.
Legislative Update: New Rules
This update is anticipated to be implemented in January 2025 and will be implemented through legislation scheduled for November 4. This will guarantee that UK free-range egg producers are on an equal footing with EU producers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Is the seasonal visa in the UK open?
The UK has emerged as an important destination for Nepali seasonal farm workers in recent years. The UK government initiated the Seasonal Workers Pilot, which has now undergone an extension. The UK government has published a notice indicating that horticulture businesses will have access to 45,000 visas.
-
Who is the agency for seasonal workers in the UK?
Concordia is a government-trusted recruiter of seasonal labor for the UK agriculture and horticulture industry, with the mission to foster cross-cultural understanding between citizens all over the world.
-
What is the UK seasonal visa salary?
The estimated total pay for a seasonal worker is £31,139 per year, with an average salary of £28,744. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and is based on salaries collected from our users.
