Livestock farmers will be able to gain access to overseas sheep shearers for the 2025 shearing season.
The NFU has supported months of lobbying with the NAAC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors) to ensure UK contractors have access to this vital source of skilled workers.
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship agreed to the concession for sheep shearers for a period of one year to cover this shearing season (1 April – 30 June).
The scheme allows skilled non-visa nationals from overseas (particularly New Zealand and Australia) to come for a short, limited period to ensure that sheep are shorn on time, thus protecting their welfare.
