The UK’s seasonal worker visa quota allocation has been announced for the upcoming year. In 2025, a total of 45,000 such visas will be issued. A distribution of 2,000 has been set aside for the poultry sector, and 43,000 for the horticulture.
The UK government announced the allocation on 21 October 2024. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner on this occasion said:
This government recognizes that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses.
Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan and secure the labor they need to grow and thrive.
This package of measures will also support farmers by protecting our poultry producers from the impact of avian flu outbreaks and ensuring fairness in the sheep supply chain.
This approach will create stability and help the sector attract the workforce and expertise necessary to deliver premium British products—such as strawberries, rhubarb, turkey, and daffodils—to consumers.
In addition, the government is implementing measures to control costs and shield poultry farmers from the effects of avian influenza. It is also working to establish fairness in the supply chain for sheep farmers by enacting legislation that mandates both sheep carcass classification and price transparency, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their livestock.
Visa Allocations Confirmed and Seasonal Workers Survey Released
In addition to setting visa numbers for 2025, Defra has published the results of its 2023 Seasonal Workers Survey. This survey is a key part of Defra’s commitment to monitoring the well-being of seasonal migrant workers who play a crucial role in bringing in the UK’s annual horticulture harvest.
Positive Experience in the UK by Nationality
Respondents from Uzbekistan (96.3%), Kyrgyzstan (94.7%), and Kazakhstan (93%) were the most likely to report a positive or highly positive experience working in the UK.
Among those surveyed, Uzbek respondents reported the highest likelihood (34.0%) of paying fees to their Labor or Migration Ministry before arriving in the UK. Additionally, a large portion of Kazakh (84.9%), Kyrgyz (87.0%), and Tajik (84.9%) respondents indicated paying various upfront costs before their UK arrival.
Respondents from Central Asia were most likely to stay in the UK for extended periods, with 69.1% to 74.3% of individuals from these countries remaining for five months or more. In contrast, only 56.7% of those classified under ‘Other Nationality’ stayed for similar durations.
Kazakh (67.8%) and ‘Other Nationality’ (74.1%) respondents were the most likely to receive work contracts in their first language. Additionally, 86.7% of Uzbek respondents indicated they were aware of how to submit a complaint if necessary.
Positive Feedback from Seasonal Workers
Conducted in early 2024, the survey revealed that a strong majority of respondents (91%) reported a positive experience during their stay in the UK, and 95% expressed an interest in returning for future work opportunities.
Government and Industry Collaboration to Improve Worker Welfare
The government is working closely with industry partners to further enhance these numbers by implementing farm compliance checks. These checks ensure that sponsors fulfill their duties, conduct welfare checks for workers, and work with international partners to prepare workers with clear job expectations, helping them avoid unnecessary fees and costs.
New Labeling Rules for Egg and Poultry Producers
New measures for egg and poultry labeling will assist farmers in handling the impacts of future avian influenza outbreaks.
Maintaining Free-Range Labeling During Housing Restrictions
Currently, free-range eggs can only be labeled as such for 16 weeks following the enforcement of mandatory housing orders due to disease prevention measures. This restriction has imposed significant costs on the industry. The upcoming changes will allow eggs to retain the ‘free-range’ label throughout these mandatory housing periods.
Legislative Update: New Rules Effective January 2025
This update will be enacted through legislation scheduled for November 4 and is expected to take effect in January 2025, ensuring UK free-range egg producers are on a level playing field with EU producers.