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NFU supports lobbying granting overseas shearers access to the UK

16 April 2025

Shorn sheep

Photograph: Adam Fradgely

Following NAAC lobbying, supported by the NFU, skilled overseas sheep shearers have been granted access to the UK for 2025.

Livestock farmers will be able to gain access to overseas sheep shearers for the 2025 shearing season.

»Ê¼Ò»ªÈËhas 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.

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