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Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme

Fruit picker

Can I bring my dependants with me to the United Kingdom?

This page explains whether you can bring your dependants with you to the United Kingdom if you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national working as a seasonal agricultural worker. It also explains their rights and responsibilities while they are here.

We consider your dependants to be your husband, wife or civil partner and your dependant children.

While you are working as a seasonal worker your employer will provide you with accommodation. The employer is not required to provide your dependants with accommodation.

Dependants who are Bulgarian or Romanian nationals

If your dependants are Bulgarian or Romanian nationals they will have the right to come to the United Kingdom. They do not need to apply for our permission.

If any of your dependants want to be employed as a seasonal worker they will need to apply through a SAWS operator for a work card in their own right.

If any of your dependants want to work while they are in the United Kingdom they will need to apply for our permission before they start work. Details of how to apply for permission to work can be found in the section for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.

Dependants who are nationals of other European countries

If your dependants are nationals of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) they will have the right to come to the United Kingdom. They do not need to apply for our permission.

Your dependants will have the right work in the United Kingdom and will not need to apply for our permission before they start work.

Dependants who are nationals of other countries

If your dependants are nationals of a country outside the EEA they will have to apply for permission to come to the United Kingdom in their own right.

This site contains details of the other immigration categories available for people wanting to come to the United Kingdom.

Your dependants will not be able to work in the United Kingdom unless they come to the United Kingdom under an immigration category that allows them to take employment.

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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