The situation
The UK government plans to introduce a Seasonal Worker Permit in 2019 for a trial period running until December 2020.
A closer look
- Eligible workers. The permit is available to seasonal agricultural workers over the age of 18 from outside the European Union. Up to 2,500 permits will be issued under the pilot program.
- Process. Eligible foreign workers can apply to two authorised UK agencies to be recruited for the pilot. If the worker is selected and the permit is approved, the permit can be issued for up to six months and will allow work on UK fruit and vegetable farms.
- Current permit options. Currently, non-EU seasonal agricultural workers have no tailored permit option.
Impact
The pilot addresses concerns raised over the past months by UK farmers, and should ensure access to seasonal labour during peak periods.
Background
The British Growers Association estimated that in 2016, there were 75,000 foreign seasonal agricultural workers in the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead
Fragomen expects the UK government to publish further details on the eligibility criteria and application process in the coming months.
The new permit will be introduced as a two-year pilot starting in the second quarter of 2019, running until the end of December 2020. The pilot will be reviewed after this period.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.
Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.
Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Media mentions
UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.
Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.
Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.
Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.
Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.