SWFPA criticises UK decision to extend Norwegian wellboat visa exemption, highlighting unequal treatment of fishing industry workers post-Brexit. Photo: Kystrederiene
UK Extends Norwegian Wellboat Visa Exemption Post-Brexit
The UK Government has extended the visa exemption allowing Norwegian wellboat crews to operate in British waters for a further three years, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Scottish fishing organisation, the SWFPA.
The exemption allows Norwegian wellboats to operate without individual work visas for crew members, an arrangement that Norway’s Coastal Shipping Companies trade body, Kystrederiene, says has been central to maintaining stable operating conditions since Brexit.
According to Kystrederiene, the agreement provides a predictable regulatory framework for the wellboat industry and enables continued access to UK waters without immigration barriers that would otherwise disrupt operations.
Norwegian Industry Praises Home Office Decision
Kystrederiene said it has been in prolonged dialogue with the UK Home Office to secure the continuation of the exemption scheme, working closely with Norwegian authorities throughout the process.
The organisation said the issue had been treated as a high political priority in Norway. It pointed to sustained engagement with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which it said followed up the matter at a political level, alongside parallel discussions with the Norwegian Embassy in London to maintain information flow and support the continuation of the agreement.
“In this context, Kystrederiene has had ongoing contact with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which has followed up the matter politically,” the organisation said. “The ministry has also been in dialogue with the Norwegian Embassy in London to ensure good information flow and support a continuation of the agreement.”
Predictability For Wellboat Operators
Kystrederiene argued that the three-year extension provides Norwegian wellboat companies with the long-term predictability needed to plan operations in UK waters. It said the agreement supports continued activity, value creation and the presence of Norwegian maritime expertise in what it described as an important market.
The trade body said it would continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement and keep member shipping companies informed of any developments affecting their operations.
UK Fishing Industry Reaction
The decision has been met with frustration from the UK fishing sector, which is facing tighter immigration rules for its own workforce. The route for the fishing industry to employ skilled workers from overseas is due to be removed from December this year.
Commenting on the decision, the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) said the contrast was stark. On a Facebook post, the organisation commented:
“How embarrassing for the Government and the Home Office that they have just granted a three year visa waiver to Norwegian wellboats operating in UK waters. This at the same time they are removing the route for the fishing industry to employ skilled workers from overseas from December this year. An utter betrayal of the UK’s fishing industry once again.”
