Attracting and protecting the rights of seasonal workers from third countries in the EU and United Kingdom

This publication provides a concise overview of the key findings from the EMN study on seasonal workers from third-countries in the EU and United Kingdom. It highlights trends in admission, employment sectors and geographical origins, examines the rights and protections afforded to seasonal workers under the Seasonal Workers Directive (2014/36/EU), and assesses challenges such as dependency on employers, limited access to welfare benefits and increased vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed for rapid uptake by policymakers and practitioners, the EMN inform offers actionable insights to improve legal pathways, procedural safeguards and labour-market integration for seasonal third-country nationals.