Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 February 2026
Correspondence to Mike Cohen, Chief Executive, National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisations, 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 National Federation of Fisherman's Organisations seeking their assessment of impacts from planned Skilled Worker visa changes. The Home Office has rejected sector-specific exceptions, citing concerns about exploitation and illegal working in fishing, while encouraging industry to develop sustainable workforce strategies and noting that existing visa routes with general work rights remain available.
Key findings
- Home Office will not grant sector-specific visa exceptions for fishing and emphasises industry must develop sustainable workforce strategy
- Government links migration policy to reducing reliance on international recruitment and addressing underlying workforce shortage causes
- Home Office acknowledges fishing sector challenges (remote locations, pay, difficult conditions) but notes limited historic use of Skilled Worker provisions
- Department expresses concerns about legal and illegal migrant labour exploitation in fishing sector and states flexible visa routes cannot be considered while such risks persist
- Individuals already in UK on visas with general work rights, including dependants and Youth Mobility Scheme participants, may undertake fishing industry work
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Alistair Carmichael MP, Mike Cohen, National Federation of Fisherman's Organisations, 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.”
“… 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 ↗