Key facts
- Most seasonal workers in Britain are now from Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
- Agricultural leaders warn that farms could fail without these seasonal workers.
- The UK government has allocated tens of thousands of visas for seasonal horticulture workers.
- Workers can face challenges with visa processes, language barriers, and integration.
- Concerns exist about workers arriving with significant debts and potential exploitation.
Ten years after Brexit, the UK agricultural sector is heavily reliant on seasonal workers from Central Asian countries, primarily Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to fill labor shortages. Agricultural leaders warn that without these workers, many farms could face failure, potentially leading to food shortages.
The departure from the European Union significantly altered the availability of agricultural labor, as pre-Brexit reliance on EU workers became untenable due to new immigration rules. This has led British farmers to seek labor from Central Asia.
Data indicates a surge in workers from these nations, with the strawberry industry being particularly dependent. The UK government has expanded the Seasonal Worker Scheme, offering tens of thousands of horticulture and poultry visas annually, with the scheme extended until at least 2029. Kyrgyzstan is the largest single nationality among visa holders.
Despite the critical role these workers play, challenges persist. Farmers report difficulties navigating complex and time-consuming visa processes. Additionally, cultural and language barriers can affect integration and productivity, although the work ethic of Central Asian laborers is widely praised.
Concerns have been raised by parliamentary evidence and civil-society groups regarding the labor model. Some workers report significant debts incurred to cover migration costs and have faced threats related to visa cancellation, wage deductions, or deportation if they do not meet picking quotas. Organizations like Focus on Labour Exploitation highlight risks associated with debt, job insecurity, and reliance on scheme operators for essential services like housing.