Andorra Hotels Offer Housing, Flight Aid in Colombia Worker Pilot

Negotiations for Andorra's on-hire recruitment programme with Colombia have reached an advanced stage, with the hotel sector offering to cover accommodation and half the flight costs for selected workers.

The initiative, aimed at addressing labour shortages amid reduced immigration quotas and the Entry/Exit System rules, would grant work and residence permits valid for nine months, roughly from December to August. This duration allows workers to cover both the winter and summer tourist seasons, a key demand from hotels.

Details emerged from recent discussions between hotel representatives, the Colombian association in Andorra (Colombiand), and government officials. Colombiand president Yuri Katherine noted that full flight costs from Colombia had previously deterred workers for shorter winter-only stays. Hotels have proposed subsidising 50% of flights, plus housing—and in some talks, meals—in exchange for a commitment to remain with the sponsoring employer for the full permit period.

Candidates must hold legal Schengen status, meaning no more than 90 days in the area within any 180-day period, and be registered with Colombia's public SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje) institution.

The Colombian government must now submit a formal proposal text. Government spokesman Guillem Casal said specifics remain under negotiation, with meetings planned to finalise them.

On Tuesday, Head of Government Xavier Espot met Colombian Ambassador Eduardo Ávila Navarrete to resolve final details and strengthen bilateral ties, including tourism cooperation. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor described the talks as productive during last week's General Council session. Espot highlighted the shared goal of creating stable, quality job opportunities.

The programme starts as a pilot with Colombia, chosen for its existing labour export agency, with plans to expand to other Latin American countries pending agreements and regulatory changes. Implementation is targeted for the coming winter. Colombiand offers support services for applicants.