Andorra Approves 800 Immigration Quota, Down 11% from Last Year

Andorra's Economic and Social Council (CES) has issued a favourable opinion on a general immigration quota of 800 new residence and work authorisations, an 11.1% reduction from last year's initial allocation approved in October, equivalent to 100 fewer spots.

The quota, presided over by Minister of Presidency, Economy, Work and Housing Conxita Marsol during an extraordinary session, allocates 624 places for residents and 176 for cross-border workers. It replaces the current contingent and can expand by up to 30% if needed. The 150 authorisations advanced in February—only 64 of which were used—and a separate allocation of 150 for professional athletes will be deducted from the total. The athlete spots break down as 10 each for the 10 first-division Andorran football teams, 20 for FC Andorra SAOE, 20 for BC Andorra SAOE, and 10 for other professionals. The proposal now awaits final approval from the Council of Ministers.

Business and union representatives expressed strong reservations during the session. Gerard Cadena, president of the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA), described the quota as overly tight amid robust labour demands, particularly in tourism, hospitality, restaurants, and construction. He warned it would strain the job market further, with companies facing hiring difficulties and service delivery challenges. Cadena noted quotas have tightened progressively and hoped the new allocation would open by 1 May, with an informal commitment to review and expand it if exhausted before the winter quota.

Sergi Esteves of the SEP union criticised the lack of coordination between commercial permits and immigration quotas, calling it chaotic. He flagged upcoming shopping centres' high staffing needs, predicting they could absorb 2,000 spots in two years without changes. The minister indicated adjustments would not arrive for two years. Esteves renewed calls for sector-specific quotas informed by market studies and relaxed rules for non-EU workers in cases like hospitality to retain staff, stabilise the market, and limit population growth. The CEA similarly urged expansion if demand outpaces supply.