Overseas shearers granted concession to help UK industry this shearing season
17th April 2025
International sheep shearers have once again been allowed to enter the UK following months of lobbying and a special concession that was recently granted.
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) said this means that the UK can access this vital source of professional and experienced staff to assist UK contractors during the shearing season.
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship agreed to the concession for sheep shearers for a period of one year to cover this shearing season from 1st April to 30th June, and a ministerial authorisation came into force on 10th April 2025.
Since 2011, the NAAC has worked closely with the Home Office to successfully manage a special concession for highly skilled, overseas shearers to come to the UK to assist in shearing the UK flock.
The scheme has meant that the UK has been able to welcome 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.
‘Skilled and physical profession’
Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive, said: “Sheep shearing is a skilled and physical profession and, whilst we have an excellent resource of UK shearers, NAAC contractors still rely on an input of overseas shearers to carry out an estimated 20% of UK shearing.
“This vital scheme is well-managed to ensure that professional overseas shearers can enter the UK, for a limited period, to help get the 15 million sheep shorn to high standards of animal welfare.”
Adult sheep should be shorn at least once every year to help reduce the risk of external parasites and to avoid heat stress.
In the main, shearing is carried out to improve animal welfare rather than for the value of the wool. Industry guidance is available here.
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