Andorra Launches Pilot for 450 Overseas Hospitality Workers

Andorra's pilot programme for direct overseas hiring in the hospitality sector opens for applications next Monday, 28 July, Secretary of State for Interior Joan León announced after the Council of Ministers approved the special quota regulation.

The scheme provides 450 temporary authorisations for workers from any non-EU and non-EEA country. Permits last nine months, with arrivals starting in December and running until August 2027. They cannot be extended, and workers must return home afterwards, proving their departure to qualify for any future rounds. No family reunification is allowed.

León described the limited quota as a deliberate choice for the initial pilot, enabling close monitoring of the programme's performance. Employers face strict requirements, including providing suitable accommodation and paying at least 50% of travel costs to and from the Principality.

A new online platform, built with Andorra Digital, handles submissions of worker details, job offers and supporting documents. Preliminary checks occur remotely for security and identity. Workers may only travel after initial validation, pending final on-site inspections upon arrival.

Immigration authorities will then carry out identity verification, medical examinations and document checks, confirming employer compliance on travel costs and accommodation standards. Permits issue only after all steps pass; failures lead to denial and required departure.

León emphasised ongoing oversight throughout the pilot. Applications close on 31 March next year. Negotiations continue for bilateral agreements—such as with Colombia—to support candidate vetting, experience checks and return enforcement, though none are yet complete.

In related updates, Economy Minister Conxita Marsol noted that 80 of 250 extra summer permits have been granted, respecting the 10-per-employer cap, with no problems reported. Addressing opposition concerns over paused family reunifications, León confirmed revocations follow legal criteria when conditions fail, with cases under review.