Charbens BenedictUK Labour Shortage Visa Program and How to Apply for Visa
The government of the United Kingdom has announced the shortage of workers in various industries which is currently taking a negative turn on the country’s economy. The situation which multiple platforms have widely reported has led to the announcement of new visa and work regulations to attract international talents to fill the vacancies as a means of tackling the situation.
Some of the key sectors impacted by this shortage include;
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Construction
Although other industries where also affected, the above 3 took the major hit as locals no longer wish to work in these sectors.
Shortage of Agriculture Workers In United Kingdom
Available reports shows that the agriculture sector took the biggest hit in the shortage of workers just as reports from Canada and Australia has previously shown. Farmers in the UK currently relie heavily on seasonal workers. Job roles such as Fruit and vegetable pickers, greenhouse workers, dairy farm assistants, and other related roles are now very difficult to fill as little to no local workers are willing to take on such physically demanding jobs.
Read: UK Caregiver and Nursing Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Seasonal Worker Visa for Agriculture Workers
To address this rising challange, the government has recently announced the Seasonal Worker Visa program for foreign workers. The visa offers short-term employment opportunities to workers willing to work in the above mentioned sectors and opportunity for employers to sponsor workers from other countries who are willing to work using this visa option. Workers in the above mentioned roles are to earn between £10.42 and £12.00 per hour, depending their experience.
Healthcare Workers Visa
Just like in the agriculture sector, the health care and social care workers also got a visa program approval that allows employers to recruit or sponsor healthcare workers from international communities who are willing to work and live in the United Kingdom. Some of the key positions experiencing shortage in this industry include; nursing and caregiving.
With the rising demand for healthcare professionals and large aging population, positions such as home support workers, care workers, and nursing assistants are in urgent demand. Short-term visa is available in this role for professionals who wish to work in the UK either through personal sponsorship or visa sponsorship jobs and such persons will earn £10.75 to £16.00 per hour depending on their level of experience.
Read: Volunteer Jobs In UK With Visa Sponsorship and Free Accommodation
Construction and trades Skilled Workers Visa
The construction industry is one of such industries that had a massive shortage of workers and international applicants who wish to work in the Uk and earn up to £25 per hour can apply for skilled workers visa or get sponsored by an employer to work short-term. Roles such as; Plumbers, Electricians, bricklayers, construction helpers and carpenters are in high demand.
Hospitality and tourism Skilled Workers Visa
Since the end of the 2020 pandemic, tourists are beginning to visit major tourism attraction points in the UK. However, the sector is struggling to find workers in areas such as; chefs, waiters, and hotel receptionists. If you’re interested in this sector, you can look for a sponsor or apply for Skilled workers visa to work in the UK with an opportunity to earn £10.50 to £14.00 per hour.
Read: Caregiver Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Foreign workers Visa Pathways
In response to the above mentioned shortages, the UK government has announced a total of 4 visa pathways with which interested foreign can move to UK or be sponsored through a visa sponsorship job offer. The available pathways include;
- Seasonal worker visa
- Skilled worker visa
- Health and care worker visa
- Temporary work visa
Each of the above visa pathways has some unique difference and can be used by individuals from different sectors as also stated earlier.
Applying for UK Seasonal Worker Visa
The Seasonal worker visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5). If you which to move to UK with this visa option, you need to fine a UK employer who is currently recruiting seasonal workers. This is necessary because it is an essential part of the visa application process.
This visa has a 3 to 6 moth duration depending on your job type and you can start your application 3 months before the work resumption date. Workers coming into the UK to work under agriculture with focus in horticulture jobs( picking fruit and vegetables or flowers) has a 6 months duration and can apply their visa anytime of the year. While those working in poltry has 3 months duration and can only apply for their Seasonal workers visa in November each year.
Eligibilty Criteria for Seasonal Workers Visa
To begin your application for seasonal workers visa, you are to provide these two major things;
- A certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor(as already stated above, this is very important). The certificate is just a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details.
- At least £1,270 in your bank account as a proof of fund. This money must be in your account for at least 28 days before your date of application. This money is just a guarantee that you can support yourself in the UK (unless you’re exempted). You can be exempted if your employer shows proof of being able to cover the sum in the first month of your arrival.
Additionally, your employer must also make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follow the UK rules for the number of hours a week you work.
List Of Required Documents for Seasonal Workers Visa
As a Seasonal Worker Visa applicant, you do not need too many documents(academic qualification is not really required in this type of visa). The 3 key documents need for your visa application are;
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number _ provided by your sponsor
- A valid international passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- Bank statement showing your proof of fund( this must show you have up to the amount stated above or more).
Visa Application fee
The application fee is £298.
Things You Can not do with Seasonal Workers Visa
As an immigrant under the seasonal workers visa program, you can not do the following;
- take a permanent job
- work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship
- get public funds
- bring family members with you
How to Start Visa Application
You can start your visa application online via the UK immigration online visa application portal here answer the necessary questions to continue your application while on the page.
Charbens Benedict
