Launching in August 2025 and running through August 2026, the Seasonal and fair employment blueprints (SaFE) project will equip EU Member States with modular blueprints and tailored technical assistance to design or enhance seasonal worker mobility programmes for non-EU nationals. SaFE will deliver practical reference tools for the agriculture and tourism sectors, with a special focus on ethical recruitment and decent living and working conditions. By addressing critical labour shortages in these key sectors and closing policy and implementation gaps, the project promotes dignified, transparent seasonal work across the EU.
With Europe’s summer holiday season in full swing and the harvesting season approaching, the continent’s agriculture and tourism industries are heavily reliant on non-EU seasonal workers. In 2021, an estimated 420,000 non-EU seasonal workers were employed in the EU agriculture sector, while in 2023, 9% of the tourism workforce came from outside the EU. Despite their importance, these sectors face systemic challenges that undermine fairness and sustainability. Unethical recruitment practices and poor working and living conditions perpetuate exploitation, highlighting gaps and the urgent need for practical solutions. The SaFE blueprints will support policymakers and implementers at every stage, from recruitment to worker protection and return, to facilitate safe and fair seasonal work, and in so doing boost compliance with the Seasonal Workers Directive.
This research is supported by the EU and commissioned though the ICMPD-led Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).
What’s next?
The project will review existing initiatives and identify case studies, lessons learned, and good practices across the EU and beyond. Special attention will be paid to measures that support ethical recruitment, improve working and living conditions, and address labour exploitation in the target sectors. The team will hold consultations with EU Member States and other key stakeholders, including Talent Partnership countries, to share insights on challenges and good practices. These activities will inform the development of the blueprints, which will constitute comprehensive, modular, and sector-specific resources for all Member States. This guidance will enable authorities to build robust initiatives from scratch or enhance existing processes, addressing specific gaps and challenges.
Further updates and outputs will be communicated throughout the implementation period.