Shearing sheep in the United Kingdom. Image – British Wool.

 

AUSTRALIAN and New Zealand shearers wanting to work in the United Kingdom this year will be charged nearly A$1300 and have to provide biometrics before departure under visa regulations updated by the UK’s Home Office.

Shearers applying for the Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker visa) must provide biometrics at a visa application centre, comprising a 10-digit fingerprint scan and a digital facial photograph.

As of March this year, the UK’s Home Office has tightened immigration rules, including digital pre‑departure checks and increased scrutiny of job roles and salary compliance.

National Association of Agricultural Contractors chief executive Jill Hewitt said the NAAC is welcoming the new concession with caution.

“It is different to previous years, in that it requires application for a concessionary visa, which has a charge of £682 and requires biometrics.

“The shearer must also comply with previous concessionary requirements.”

Ms Hewitt said those admitted under the concession will be admitted for a maximum period of three months and the conditions attached to their stay will restrict their permission to work to employment with a specific employer or contractor.

“This means the latest expiry of leave under this concession would be 30 September 2026.”

Ms Hewitt said the conditions and requirements of the concession are:

The applicant is genuinely seeking entry for the purpose of undertaking employment or providing service as a sheep shearer; and

The applicant will be able to maintain and accommodate themself without recourse to public funds; and

The applicant will leave the UK at the end of their stay; and

The applicant arrives in the UK for this purpose between 1 April and 30 June; and

The applicant provides a work contract confirming the nature of their employment and their remuneration.

This concession will be effective from immediate effect and will be available to those seeking entry between 1 April and the 30 June 2026.

Ms Hewitt said if shearers still come this could avert any animal welfare issues.

“Time will tell.”

Ms Hewitt said the NAAC will be lobbying to extend the concession as it is difficult to see with a world shortage of shearers how we can get sufficient UK professional shearers.

“We need trained, competent and experienced shearers to protect animal welfare.

“It is hard enough to encourage young people into farming, and shearing is more demanding than the average job!”