23rd April 2009
Sheep shearers get entry clearance
Sheep shearers will be fast-tracked through the immigration system, thanks to the joint efforts of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, the sheep industry and the UK Government. This will help to avoid the unnecessary suffering of millions of UK sheep.
‘We are delighted that the Home Office and Defra have recognised the urgency and importance of resolving the problems we were facing trying to get shearers through the new immigration system. They have taken exceptional steps to bring in this vital workforce by speeding up processing times in Australia and New Zealand from twelve to a maximum of three weeks. This should get some of the shearers into the UK ready for the start of our shearing season,’ commented Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive.
‘Those shearers already working in America and Europe will also be given a special concession to allow them to gain entry clearance without returning to their country of residence. We cannot underestimate the importance of these decisions.’
Many NAAC livestock members have already become licensed sponsors and will be delighted that they can finally start to get their shearers through the entry clearance process.
The NAAC will now be in direct contact with New Zealand and Australia to ensure that the message gets out loud and clear that the UK doors are finally open to shearers across the world and that applications for clearance need to be made with urgency.
We will also be sending out detailed information to NAAC contracting members so that they are aware of the practical steps that are necessary to get shearers into the UK.
Please contact the NAAC office if you are a shearer seeking further information.