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1. Most seasonal workers in Member States are from
neighbouring regions and the majority have been admitted under the Seasonal Workers Directive. Ukraine
is the most common country of origin. The most common sectors where seasonal workers are employed
include agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
2. In most Member States seasonal workers are important to fill shortages in certain sectors and several
Member States have measures in place to attract
seasonal workers. These include shorter and simplified procedures, shortening of processing times and
cooperation with third countries.
3. Some Member States have made use of the option to
limit the rights and protection of seasonal workers, in
particular regarding access to unemployment benefits
and family benefits.
4. Across the Member States, several agencies are
responsible for monitoring of working conditions. Still,
cases of abuse might go undetected, as seasonal
workers are highly dependent on employers and often
do not know their rights. Several Member States have
run information campaigns to provide seasonal workers with information on their rights.
5. Several Member States have introduced measures
to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These include extension of authorisations for seasonal
workers already in the Member States, lifting of travel
restrictions for seasonal workers, but also a mobilisation of domestic labour to fill the gaps. In some
Member States seasonal workers have gained more
visibility and recognition from the public during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
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