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Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme

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How do I apply to come to the UK as a seasonal worker?

This page explains how you can apply to work in the UK as a seasonal worker under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS).

Before making an application to the SAWS, you should ensure you have read the pages that explain the eligibility requirements you need to meet.

SAWS operators

The scheme is managed by 9 approved operators on our behalf. You need to apply directly to one of the approved operators. The contact details for the operators are available from the right side of this page.

Some operators recruit for work on farms throughout the UK. Others recruit for farms within a small area or their own farm. If you want to work in a certain area of the UK, you should ensure that you contact an appropriate operator.

Work cards

If you are successful in your application to the SAWS, you will be given a work card by the operator. This work card gives you permission to work in the UK as a seasonal worker. The work card will allow you to work as a seasonal worker for a minimum of 5 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. The time limit will be clearly marked on your work card.

We issue a fixed number of work cards to operators each year. When these work cards have been issued to workers, the scheme will be closed for the year and we will not accept any more applications.

The recruitment process and fees

Operators recruit workers in various ways. You should contact the operator you want to apply to for details. All operators will accept an application from you directly, and some operators also use agents in your home country.

You should not have to pay a fee to the operator or agent to be given a work card for the SAWS. You may need to pay a fee for other services that the operator or agent provides to you, such as making travel arrangements. The operator you choose will be able to provide you with full details of any fees you may need to pay.

You should not be forced to use the other services on offer from the operator or agent. Operators are responsible for ensuring that the fees charged are reasonable, and that you are not discriminated against if you decide not to use the other services they offer.

Coming to the UK

As a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you are entitled to come to the UK. You do not need to apply for our permission before you travel. When you arrive in the UK, you should use the passport control for EEA nationals. You will need to show your passport to the immigration officer.

See also

Terms explained

  • European Economic Area

    The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU), their citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and work in the UK.

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