This section explains what the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) is and how you can apply. The section also provides information for farmers and growers wishing to employ seasonal workers.

The SAWS is designed to allow farmers and growers in the United Kingdom to recruit low-skilled overseas workers to undertake short-term agricultural work. The scheme works on a quota basis. Farmers and growers who participate in the scheme are allowed to employ a fixed number of overseas workers though the scheme each year. In 2008 the quota is 16,250 places.

To be able to apply to come to the United Kingdom under the SAWS you must be a national of either Bulgaria or Romania.

Participants in the scheme will be issued with a work card. This work card gives them permission to work in the United Kingdom for a fixed period of time. Participants will be allowed to work in the United Kingdom under the scheme for up to six months.

The scheme is managed by nine approved operators on our behalf. We issue a fixed number of work cards to operators each year. Once these work cards have been issued to workers the scheme will be closed for the year and no more applications will be accepted.

SAWS workers will carry out low-skilled work including:

• planting and gathering crops;
• on-farm processing and packing of crops;
• handling livestock.

Workers will be paid at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage and will be provided with accommodation by the farmer or grower employing them.

The SAWS is a short-term immigration category. If you come to the United Kingdom as a seasonal agricultural worker you will be given permission to work for a maximum of six months.