The UK government has unveiled a strategic plan to issue 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025, aimed at addressing the persistent labor shortages affecting the country’s agricultural and poultry industries. The program’s core purpose is to support critical roles in these sectors, ensuring a steady workforce for tasks such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and poultry processing.

Of the total visas, 43,000 are specifically designated for horticultural roles, while 2,000 will be dedicated to the poultry sector, especially during peak processing months from October to December. This targeted approach reflects the government’s recognition of the unique seasonal needs within these industries and the importance of reinforcing the labor supply.

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To participate in the scheme, applicants must meet several requirements. They need to be at least 18 years old, possess sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, and adhere to established health and safety standards. An important condition of the program is that all workers must return to their home country after their employment period ends, without the option to alter their visa status while residing in the UK.

Alongside the visa extension, the government is also committing up to £50 million to invest in agricultural automation technologies, including innovations such as robotic harvesters. This dual approach—combining labor support with technology investment—is designed to gradually decrease dependency on seasonal labor by enabling farms to incorporate automated solutions over time. By extending the Seasonal Worker visa program through to 2029, the UK government is giving agricultural businesses the runway they need to adopt new technologies and transition toward a more sustainable labor model.