The Environment Secretary stated that seasonal worker visas for UK farms will be extended for another five years. Croydon MP Steve Reed told the National Farmers' Union (NUF) conference in London that the visa path for foreign workers would be expanded to help improve the agricultural sector and ensure greater confidence in future labour supplies. It is the government's latest attempt to repair relations with the sector, as tensions rise over the Treasury's plans to impose inheritance tax on family farms beginning in April 2026.

There's a contrast between the government's approach to seasonal worker visas and potential changes to visas for foreign graduates. Here's a breakdown:

 Seasonal Worker Visas:The government has committed to extending the seasonal worker visa scheme. This is aimed at supporting sectors like agriculture, which rely heavily on seasonal labor.This extension provides stability for businesses that need these workers, particularly for harvesting crops.The extension of the seasonal worker scheme has been welcomed by industries such as the farming industry.

Foreign Graduates:Conversely, there are discussions and potential changes regarding visas for foreign graduates. This indicates a potential tightening of regulations in this area.It is important to understand that the goverment is looking to make sure that the graduate visa route is not being missused.Therefore there is a contrast between the governments view on seasonal workers, that are needed for certain industries, and graduate visas.In essence, the government is taking a sector-specific approach, supporting industries with clear labor needs while potentially tightening rules in other areas of immigration.

Mr Reed announced many initiatives, including an extended visa scheme, help for precision breeding, and new technology. He also unveiled plans for a 25-year farming roadmap and strategy that prioritizes food production and strengthens agricultural firms' resilience to shocks like as extreme flooding, drought, and animal disease. The Home Office stated that the change to seasonal visas will have no influence on total migration data because seasonal workers can only stay in the UK for six months to pick flowers, fruit, or vegetables.

Overseas students can now stay in Britain for up to two years after graduation, even if they do not have a job. They can also stay if they locate a lower-skilled job and obtain a work visa. According to Home Office estimates, students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan account for almost 70% of all graduate visas. Of those who transferred from the graduate visa last year, over half departed the country, 43% went on to a skilled worker visa, and the rest went on to smaller visa programs or student visas. The previous Conservative government implemented new restrictions to reduce immigration levels, which took effect on various dates beginning in January 2024.