Andorra Hotels Propose Subsidies for Colombian Workers' Travel, Housing, Food

Andorra's hotel sector has proposed subsidising part of the travel, housing and food costs for workers recruited directly from Colombia, on condition they remain with the sponsoring employer for the full nine-month validity of their residence permit.

This initiative emerged during recent meetings between the Colombian Association in Andorra, the Chamber of Commerce and hotel representatives to discuss requirements for the origin-based recruitment pilot launching with Colombia. Workers must be registered with Colombia's SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje), a public training institution. The hotels suggested covering 50% of flight costs, plus full housing and meals, for candidates meeting immigration criteria—but only if they commit to staying the entire nine months with the company providing the support, according to Katherine Barbosa, a representative of the association.

Details remain under discussion, with the aim to finalise arrangements before winter and roll out the pilot, later extending to other non-EU countries. The association also offers comprehensive support to recruits and invites inquiries.

Separately, Head of Government Xavier Espot and Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor met on Tuesday with Colombia's ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Eduardo Ávila Navarrete. The talks advanced the recruitment project, now in its final negotiation phase, amid the Cultural Diversity Week events organised by the Colombian Embassy, including a dance performance titled "A Journey Through Colombia."

Espot highlighted the shared commitment to stable, quality job opportunities through bilateral cooperation. Discussions also covered tourism and other areas to strengthen ties between Andorra and Colombia. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the understanding reached and intent to deepen collaboration.