Andorra Advances Temporary Immigration Permit for Construction Projects

The Andorran government is studying a temporary immigration quota proposal from the construction sector's employers' association, CODA, to address labour shortages delaying active projects.

Minister and government spokesperson Guillem Casal confirmed the details following a Council of Ministers meeting. He noted that officials had met with CODA representatives over the summer to review the association's suggestions, prompted by complaints that insufficient workers were hindering timely completion of works across the Principat.

The initiative centres on a project-specific quota, distinct from seasonal permits. It would enable firms to bring in targeted personnel for a particular construction job, with authorisation ending upon project completion and workers required to return home. "At the time, we viewed the proposal favourably," Casal said, adding that the executive continues to assess it positively.

The Interior Ministry conducted a legal review, which concluded that current regulations do not support this quota type. As a result, amendments to the qualified Immigration Law are needed. "The current legal framework does not allow for this kind of quota," Casal explained. Officials are now drafting the changes, though no specific deadline has been set. Casal indicated that the bill would be presented in the coming months.

Casal, who also holds the environment portfolio, described the measure as a practical response to peak labour demands in construction. The government plans to work further with the sector before submitting the proposal to the Consell General, potentially before the end of the current legislative period in January.