In response to the challenges posed by labor shortages in the agricultural sector, the British government has chosen to extend the visa program for seasonal agricultural workers by five years. The goal is to ensure continued support for the agri-food industry, with the validity of the visas now extended until 2029. This initiative allows the attraction of foreign workers for essential seasonal tasks such as fruit and vegetable picking, while also encouraging innovation and automation in the sector. This complements the 45,000 work visas already established to maintain the essential flow of agricultural labor.
Extension of the British Seasonal Workers Visa Program
The British government has decided to extend the seasonal workers visa program in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. This initiative, which began in 2019 as a pilot program, has recently been extended and will now be valid until 2029. This decision reflects the authorities’ commitment to address the labor shortages affecting sectors closely linked to food and agriculture in the UK. (Source: The UK extends the validity of seasonal workers visas until 2029).
Principles of the Seasonal Worker Visa
Designed to replace the previous temporary regular visa (T5), the new program offers a unique pathway for temporary activity in the British agricultural industry. Each year, the government issues 45,000 visas to seasonal workers, a figure that remains stable for 2023 as well as in 2024. This initiative helps support the sectors of Poultry and Horticulture (Source: InfoMigrants).
Impact of the Extension on the Relevant Sectors
The extension of the program until 2029 aims to ensure that farms do not experience significant disruptions in their supply chains. Seasonal workers play a crucial role during harvests, ensuring that products reach the shelves of British stores in a timely manner (Source: Bouge de la, Réussir Agriculture Massif Central).
