The UK Seasonal Worker visa offers a unique pathway for foreign nationals to work temporarily in the United Kingdom, primarily in the horticulture and poultry farming sectors. Originally introduced to replace the Temporary Worker visa, this visa category addresses the critical need for seasonal labor, helping to ensure a steady workforce for UK farmers, growers, and poultry producers during peak seasons.

The primary goal of the Seasonal Worker visa is to support businesses in horticulture—such as fruit and vegetable picking or flower harvesting—and in poultry farming, particularly during high-demand periods. This targeted approach is a practical solution to meet fluctuating labor demands while keeping the agricultural and food production industries resilient.

Allocation of Seasonal Work Visas for 2025

For 2025, the UK government has outlined a structured allocation for seasonal work visas to support these essential industries:

1. Horticulture: A total of 43,000 visas will be made available to workers involved in activities such as picking fruits and vegetables or harvesting flowers. These roles are vital in sustaining the supply chain for fresh produce and other agricultural goods.

2. Poultry Farming: An additional 2,000 visas will be accessible specifically for poultry farming between October 2 and December 31—a period that typically sees increased demand due to the holiday season. This allocation ensures that poultry farmers have sufficient staffing during a peak time for the industry.

This distribution aims to balance labour supply and demand effectively, allowing businesses to strategically plan for their seasonal workforce needs. By enabling companies to access a reliable labour pool, the Seasonal Worker visa plays a crucial role in stabilizing UK agriculture and poultry production, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers across the nation.