Rules Paragraphs 104-109

From 1 January 2008, the scheme is restricted to nationals of Romania and Bulgaria and provides the opportunity to undertake seasonal employment on farms in the UK. Prior to this, the scheme was open to nationals from outside the EU. In 2006 the UK Government imposed a quota restriction on the number of low skilled workers from Romania and Bulgaria, and for 2007, the quota was 6,500 Seasonal Agricultural Workers. From 1 January 2008, the quota is 16,250.

From 1 January 2008, entry clearance will not be required for nationals of Romania and Bulgaria.

The Home Office contracts nine organisations known as Operators to administer this scheme and who are fully involved in the recruitment process. A list of the UK operators currently licensed by the Home Office is available on the UK Border Agency website.

Applicants will still require a SAWS work card issued by the licenced Operator. SAWS work cards are issued for up to a maximum of six months. Applicants can re-apply to join the scheme provided they have a minimum three months break from working.

The scheme is open to all applicants with a minimum age of 18.

Non EU workers who are already part of this scheme and made their application in 2007 will be eligible to extend their work placement up to the maximum of six months in 2008 and will therefore need to apply for a visa extension.

Queries on SAWS applications should be sent to the Border and Immigration Agency SAWS Policy team at Policy.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Seasonal Agricultural workers are not required to register with the police, see Paragraph 325(2)(i) ) of the Immigration Rules.

Seasonal Agricultural Workers Team
Border and Immigration Agency
Yellow 4
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA

 Operators of the seasonal agricultural workers scheme