Andorra Business Chief Blames EU Entry/Exit System for Summer Labor Shortages

Gerard Cadena, president of the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA), has suggested that the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System may have contributed to this summer's labour shortages by deterring some seasonal workers from entering the country.

Speaking to the press during France's national day celebrations, Cadena noted that the current seasonal worker quota matches last year's levels, which the business sector endorsed within the Economic and Social Council. He pointed to the Entry/Exit regulation—now requiring entrants to have their EU status properly documented—as a key change this year, potentially leading to the withdrawal of some work permits. Stricter border checks by Spain and France could also be playing a role, though he described this as one hypothesis under review without firm conclusions.

Cadena highlighted additional pressures on Andorra's job market. Economic growth has increased demand for workers, while the hospitality and restaurant sectors face a "highly strained" environment with significant worker mobility between companies. Several firms, particularly in hotels, have submitted specific staffing needs directly to the Labour Department.

Business leaders now await a government decision on whether to expand the quota. Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné indicated yesterday that the Council of Ministers could address the issue as early as Wednesday, following a case-by-case analysis to verify if the requests are sufficiently justified and to assess what has changed since last year.