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

Seasonal migration plays a crucial role in meeting labour market needs in agriculture, tourism and other key sectors across Europe. Ensuring fair working conditions and accessible legal pathways is essential for both economic functioning and migrant protection.
The publication reviews admission systems, rights guarantees and labour market trends for third-country national seasonal workers up to mid-2020. It outlines vulnerabilities linked to employer dependency, limited equal treatment and the effects of COVID-19, while presenting reform approaches and good practices. The analysis seeks to support more transparent, resilient and rights-compliant seasonal migration systems.