Andorra Hotel President Urges Migration Policy Review Amid EU Entry/Exit Staffing Crisis

Jordi París, president of the Unió Hotelera, has called for a review of Andorra's migration policies to address staffing shortages in the hotel and restaurant sector caused by the EU's Entry/Exit system.

Speaking on Diari TV's *Parlem-ne* programme yesterday, París said the new immigration rules have forced businesses to overhaul hiring practices, leaving hotels unable to fill about 10% of positions this season. That shortfall equates to roughly 400 fewer workers across Andorra's hotel network.

Despite record visitor numbers in what París described as an "exceptional" winter season, the lack of staff meant some services remained fully or partially closed, while others never opened at all. He highlighted unquantifiable economic losses from missed business opportunities, alongside clear declines in service quality.

Overworked employees often covered the gaps through overtime or reduced rest days to meet demand, París added.

The sector proposes allowing seasonal workers longer stays—up to nine months—to bridge gaps between winter and summer seasons. This would let the same staff remain year-round, easing planning and stabilising services. "Many temporers would be willing to stay for more than one season," París said, noting it would help workers avoid dilemmas like leaving Schengen for 90 days post-season or moving to Spain.

Such changes would enable better training, job security and worker retention, potentially resolving structural shortages within two seasons. París argued Andorra should consider letting these workers stay longer term, fostering roots and long-term projects in the country.

He acknowledged that retaining talent also requires better pay, with hotels starting from standard wages but offering adjustments. Continuity could lead to salary improvements, especially if quality service boosts revenue. Housing remains a key challenge, but higher standards and activity levels should benefit staff through shared gains, París said, rejecting claims that the sector pays poorly.