Review of work access for non-European workers in Andorra

This decision, which will be formally approved on Wednesday by the council of ministers, lifts the flexibility that was approved last October to meet the needs and demands of the sector. This measure allowed the regularization of up to 2,000 workers.

The approval of this measure was presented by the Minister of Presidency, Economy, Labor, and Housing, Conxita Marsol. Workers can accumulate these four years of experience in different ways: with three years of experience in their home country and having spent a season in Andorra or with two years of experience in their home country and another two in the Principality, for example.

Toughening of hiring conditions and current situation

Marsol emphasized that the return to this system, which was already in place before the pandemic, was agreed upon with associations from the hospitality sector, ski resorts, and trade. They are the ones with the most workers with this profile, and everyone understood that it was necessary to take this step.

In fact, the minister indicated that last year's flexibility allowed the regularization of 2,000 workers with only one season of experience and helped companies retain their staff. Therefore, she considers it unnecessary to continue with this measure.

Exceptions to the hiring system

As an exception, the Minister of Presidency, Economy, Labor, and Housing announced during a meeting at the CES that an agreement has been reached to establish a limit of 300 workers currently in Andorra who will be able to transfer to the general quota, based on having had only one season of experience. This is because some companies have already retained employees who have committed to staying in the country.

From the business sector's point of view and that of the CEA (Confederación Empresarial Andorrana), a request is made to extend this exceptionality up to 30% if necessary, although Marsol did not confirm whether this proposal will be accepted or not. However, she mentioned there will be another opening of quota during the summer where any company facing a shortage of staff will be able to fill it.

Demands of the local business sector

• Extend the exception to a greater number: The president of the CEA, Gerard Cadena, expressed the businessmen's desire to allow exceptional cases in which employees could stay in Andorra after only one season of experience, reaching up to 400 individuals instead of the current 300.

• Maintain additional hiring quotas: It is proposed that additional quotas be opened during the summer to meet the labor needs of different companies.

This regulation seeks, according to Marsol, to adapt to the different realities of the market with a flexible approach and also taking into account the geographical limitations inherent to the Principality. It will be necessary to continue monitoring the process to understand if the new policy meets both business needs and fair labor conditions for the non-EU employees hired.