Andorra Launches Pilot Hiring 450 Non-EU Workers for Winter Hospitality Shortages

Andorra will launch a pilot programme for "hiring at source" this winter, offering 450 positions in the hospitality sector to address seasonal labour shortages.

The initiative, presented on Monday to the Economic and Social Council, targets non-EU workers with contracts lasting up to nine months. These positions will count against the winter temporary worker quota. Workers must return to their country of origin or another non-Schengen nation upon completion of their contracts. Companies must cover 50% of round-trip travel costs and provide verified accommodation, with all documentation, job offers, salaries and housing confirmed before arrival.

Economy, Employment and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol described the project as the result of months of discussions with economic agents. "It is a pilot test and we will see how it works, but in principle everyone agrees to move forward," she said. The scheme is open to workers from any non-EU country, not limited to Colombia, allowing businesses to draw from established networks in markets such as Argentina or Chile.

Business leaders welcomed the measure. Iago Andreu, director of the Andorran Business Confederation, called it a complementary tool to streamline seasonal migration flows, though not a complete solution. "We had requested that this hiring be opened not only to Colombia but to other nationalities," he noted, adding that success will only be assessable after the first cycle next year.

Unions expressed caution. Sergi Esteves of the Public Education Union acknowledged slight improvements in stability but said it fails to tackle structural issues like housing and long-term planning. Joan Torra of the Andorran Trade Union Alliance opposed it outright, arguing it relies on workers from lower-opportunity countries without addressing core problems such as housing pressures or precarious conditions.

Non-EU resident associations praised the plan. Marcelo Ponce of Argentinos en Andorra said it would reduce irregular immigration issues like black-market jobs, viewing the 450 places as a prudent start. Katherina Barbosa of Colombianos en Andorra highlighted added security for workers, predicting stronger commitment to employers.

The government plans to approve specific regulations soon for the 2026-2027 winter season. Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal, speaking on Wednesday, emphasised cross-ministerial development and readiness to make adjustments. He described it as a way to institutionalise legal security for both workers and firms, separate from the 500 summer temporary permits approved for hospitality and restaurants—matching last year's figure despite requests for more from the Andorran Hotel Association.

Results from the pilot will inform potential changes.