UK Extends Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme For 5 Years
The United Kingdom government has announced a five-year extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme, allowing farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign workers on short-term contracts.
Under the revised scheme, 45,000 visas will be allocated for seasonal employment. Of these, 43,000 will be designated for horticulture roles such as fruit and vegetable picking, while 2,000 will be reserved for poultry processing and related tasks. The visas will be valid from October 2nd to December 31st, and only workers employed by approved scheme operators will be eligible.
The seasonal workers will be allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months. The scheme, initially set to end in 2021, was extended until 2024 at the request of the National Farmers Union (NFU), and now it has been further extended for another five years.
To qualify for the Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must have secured a job offer from an approved scheme operator, be at least 18 years old, and demonstrate that they have at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival in the UK. Applicants must first secure employment through an approved recruitment agency before applying for the visa.
Once hired, they will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is necessary for the visa application. Applicants will also need to submit their visa applications online, pay a fee of £264, and attend a biometrics appointment. Processing times typically take about three weeks.
It is important to note that seasonal worker visa holders are not permitted to bring dependents with them to the UK.
