Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 February 2026
Juliette Hatchman, Chief Executive, South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd, on any implications that the planned changes to Skilled Workers visas could have on the industry, dated 11 February.
From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Fisheries and the marine environment
Summary
The EFRA Committee writes to the Chief Executive of the South Western Fish Producer Organisation seeking views on implications of the Home Office's decision to remove sector-specific Skilled Worker visa provisions for the fishing industry. The Home Office refuses tailored exceptions, citing concerns about exploitation and illegal working, and expects the sector to develop sustainable workforce strategies using existing general work-right visa routes.
Key findings
- Home Office will not grant sector-specific visa exceptions for fishing, linking migration policy to reducing reliance on international recruitment
- Department acknowledges fishing sector challenges (remote locations, pay, conditions) but notes limited prior use of Skilled Worker provisions
- Home Office expresses concerns about migrant labour exploitation and illegal working in the sector, making flexible visa routes conditional on addressing these risks
- Individuals already in UK on visas with general work rights, including dependants and Youth Mobility Scheme participants, may work in fishing
- Committee seeks industry assessment of expected impacts, sustainability risks, transition timelines, and suitability of remaining visa routes
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Alistair Carmichael MP, Juliette Hatchman, South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd, Home Office, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Notable line
“… ment notes that it does not intend to grant sector‑specific exceptions and emphasises the need for the industry to develop a sustainable workforce strategy.”
Key Quotes
“… the Government's approach links migration, skills and labour‑market policy with the aim of reducing reliance on international recruitment and encouraging industries to address underlying causes of workforce shortages.”
“… ment notes that it does not intend to grant sector‑specific exceptions and emphasises the need for the industry to develop a sustainable workforce strategy.”
“The Home Office does acknowledge the particular challenges faced by the fishing sector, including remote working locations, pay, and difficult working conditions, but argues that the industry has made limited use of previously available Skilled Worker provisions.”
“… a more flexible visa route cannot be considered while such r isks persist.”
“The Committee remains concerned about the practical impact these changes may have on labour availability within the industry and on the sustainability of fishing operations, particularly in areas heavily reliant on migrant labour.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗