The Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation (NIFPO) has issued a stark warning to the UK government, urging immediate action to address the ongoing visa issues that are jeopardising the livelihoods of Northern Irish fishing communities.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as well as Yvette Cooper and Daniel Zeichner, NIFPO CEO Harry Wick highlights the urgent need for reform of the visa system for international crew members, which is affecting fleets across the UK, including the Northern Irish nephrops sector.
The ongoing issue surrounding Transit Visas and Skilled Worker Visas for foreign crew has caused disruptions, with fishermen and their businesses suffering the consequences. Wick warns that without swift intervention, the economic contribution of Northern Ireland’s fishing sector—valued at £120 million—could be lost in a matter of months, leading to widespread job losses and community hardship.
In the letter, Wick stresses that the visa issue is undermining the fishing industry’s ability to contribute to food security and economic growth, two of the government’s flagship policies. He cautions that unless visa amendments are made, the fishing industry in Northern Ireland and the Clyde could face collapse, with UK-sourced fish disappearing from supermarket shelves.
“The previous government was prepared to sacrifice the prawn fishing industry on the altar of looking tough on immigration,” Wick wrote, adding that the Labour government now has a chance to reverse this damage. He emphasises that common-sense pragmatism and the introduction of a visa mechanism tailored to the fishing industry are urgently needed.
While Whitby Seafoods Ltd has taken steps to support the industry by increasing prices paid to fishermen for nephrops tails, Wick highlights an unintended consequence: the higher wages may cause long-term international workers to end their contracts, exacerbating the labour crisis. He argues that the drive for visa amendments from civil society and unions could backfire, pushing more fishing crews into debt bondage and causing greater hardship.
Wick calls for the introduction of a visa system that recognises the unique nature of the fishing industry and allows fishing businesses to operate with overseas crew while paying National Living Wage. He stresses that arbitrary salary caps, designed to restrict immigration, are causing harm to food security and driving up inflation, at a time when coastal communities and the UK economy need support.
The NIFPO also proposed a “net zero migration” visa plan that could address visa issues while improving welfare standards for fishing crew. The plan has been with the Home Office and Defra for months but has seen little progress. Wick pleads with the Labour government to engage with the industry and open dialogue.
Wick’s message to the government is clear: the fishing industry is doing its part, but government support is crucial. He urges ministers to engage with the industry, saying, “Please, answer our letters, pick up the phone to industry, and let’s start working in partnership.”
Without immediate action, the Northern Irish prawn fishing industry could face devastation, with severe consequences for coastal communities, the national food supply, and the local economy.