The UK government has extended its seasonal work visa program for five years until 2029. It aims to address labor shortages in the food supply chain while giving businesses time to automate processes.
- Program Extension: Extension provides sustainability for farms and food businesses.
- Focus on automation: The government is allocating £50 million to develop automated packhouses and robotic crop pickers.
- Skilled Labor Development: A strategy has been planned to attract domestic workers and enhance skill development.
UK Seasonal Work Visa Program Details
- Applicants can work in horticulture (up to 6 months) or poultry (Oct-Dec).
- Sponsorship and eligibility criteria apply.
- 43,000 visas allocated for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry in 2025.
Long-Term Vision
- Automate major packhouses within 18 months.
- Develop robotic crop pickers within 3-5 years.
- Position the UK food supply chain as a global leader in agricultural technology.
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