Nigeria remains exempt for countries eligible to apply for the seasonal worker visa scheme, which has recently been extended to five years to support agriculture in the United Kingdom (UK).
When the scheme was first introduced, the majority of seasonal workers came from Ukraine and Russia. However, the workforce has since become more diverse, with increasing numbers arriving from Central Asian nations such as Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Certain countries are exempt because only citizens from countries with a significant seasonal labor force needed in those sectors are eligible to apply. This is done to manage the influx of seasonal workers and ensure the scheme primarily benefits industries that rely heavily on them.
Seasonal worker visa
The UK government recently announced the extension to allow farmers and food producers to continue hiring foreign labour on short-term contracts.
Under the scheme, workers are permitted to carry out specific roles, including crop harvesting, within the edible and ornamental horticulture sectors. Their stay is limited to a maximum of six months per year.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) had earlier recommended this decision after highlighting regular shortages of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.
To this end, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) called for an extension to the scheme, arguing it is essential to maintaining food production. Steve Reed, environment secretary, even pledged a £110 million investment in farming technology to support the industry.
He noted, “My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable because that’s how we make your businesses viable for the future. And that’s how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs.”
Before Brexit brought an end to freedom of movement between the UK and the EU, the farming sector relied almost entirely on seasonal workers from Europe to harvest fruit and vegetables. These workers would travel to the UK for short-term roles during peak seasons before returning home once the job was complete.
After Brexit, this system became unworkable as no visa route was initially available for so-called low-skilled workers. Under mounting pressure, the government introduced a temporary seasonal worker scheme, allowing foreign labourers to enter the UK for six-month periods.
Originally due to expire in 2021, the scheme was extended for three years following successful lobbying by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). At the end of last year, the Labour government confirmed that seasonal worker visas would continue in 2025.
The NFU had previously warned of severe labour shortages, estimating that £60 million worth of food went to waste in the first half of 2022 due to a lack of pickers.
The scheme remains restricted to an annual quota of 45,000 to 55,000 workers, who can stay for only six months, are not eligible for public funds, and cannot bring family members.
The government hopes to gradually phase out the scheme by introducing robotic fruit and vegetable pickers across farms in England. However, this technology is still in its infancy and remains unsuitable for many types of farms at scale.
Eligibility criteria for the seasonal worker visa
To be eligible for a UK seasonal worker visa, applicants must meet several key requirements.
Firstly, they must secure a job offer from an employer registered under a Home Office-approved scheme. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their employer.
In addition, they are required to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency by proving they have at least £1,270 in savings to support themselves upon arrival. Importantly, the visa does not permit workers to bring family members with them.
Although this scheme comes as a welcome development, there are concerns over potential worker exploitation and labour rights.
Kate Roberts, head of policy at FLEX, criticized the scheme’s structure, stating, “Seasonal worker visa holders currently have no realistic way to challenge poor working conditions, wage theft, or sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Labour Market Analyst and Correspondent, specializing in the research and analysis of workplace dynamics, labour market trends, immigration reports, employment law and legal cases in general. Her editorial work provides valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and the global workforce. She has garnered experience in the private sector in Lagos and has also had a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom. An alumna of Queens College, Lagos, Ngozi studied English at the University of Lagos, holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Hertfordshire and is an Associate Member of CIPM and Member of CMI, UK.
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