Andorra Cuts Migrant Worker Quota by 11% to 800 Amid Business Shortage Warnings

**Andorran government approves reduced migrant worker quota amid business concerns**

The Andorran government has approved a general quota of 800 work and residence permits, plus frontier worker authorisations, effective until November. This represents an 11% reduction—100 fewer permits—compared to the previous quota set last October, as part of efforts to curb population growth and foster sustainable development.

After deducting 64-65 permits already issued in March for high-demand sectors and 150 reserved for professional athletes—including 10 per team in Andorra's top football league, 20 for FC Andorra, 20 for Bàsquet Club Andorra (MoraBanc), and 10 for others—the remaining permits available to businesses stand at around 550-585. This covers 624 for residents and 176 for frontier workers. The quota can rise by up to 30% to 1,040 if demand surges, a flexibility business leaders have urged the government to use swiftly.

CEA confederation president Gerard Cadena called the quota "very tight," pointing to shortages in tourism, hospitality, restaurants, and construction. He called for quick expansions, citing last year's rapid depletion. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal responded that the policy strikes a balance between economic demands and growth management, with population growth slowing from 2.6% last year to 1.9% in the first quarter. "We're committed to sustainable growth and providing necessary services," Casal said, noting adjustments for economic and social factors.

The decision followed Economic and Social Council endorsement on Wednesday and cabinet approval. Eligibility criteria remain the same, including six years' experience for non-EEA workers and Catalan proficiency. The government also introduced a conditional temporary residence permit for third-country nationals awaiting Spanish or French security checks under the EU Entry/Exit system, allowing work during the 28-42 day period if other requirements are met.

**Parliament unanimously passes labour equality law amid cross-party exchanges on paternity leave and Istanbul Convention**

The General Council unanimously approved the labour equality law on Thursday, equalising paternity and maternity leave at 20 weeks by 2030—advanced from the government's initial 2033 target—with non-transferable periods, coverage for diverse family models, and a mandatory 15-day minimum post-birth. Head of Government Xavier Espot described it as a step toward "effective equality," stressing shared childcare as a "democratic requirement and matter of justice." He highlighted how the law expands rights, shifts childcare dynamics, boosts women's career opportunities, and ensures being a woman does not limit prospects.

Demòcrates' Meritxell Alcobé called it a "consensus-driven, bold, and measured" measure, adding to recent equality efforts and showing Andorra's commitment. Social Democrat Pere Baró termed it "important but not final," praising the consensus while noting his group's push for faster implementation by 2027 and critiquing compliance controls as overly distrustful. Concòrdia's Núria Segués said it dismantles gender stereotypes, redistributes care responsibilities, addresses low birth rates, and promotes family health, with flexibility for varied work profiles. Andorra Endavant's Noemí Amador framed it as endorsing family models where childcare is not secondary, aiding work-life balance and business planning through entity consultations.

Debate turned heated over Andorra Endavant claiming credit for the consensus text. Alcobé, Segués, and Baró criticised the party for spotlighting the law while opposing state-funded compensation for gender violence victims under the Istanbul Convention—rejecting the subsidy if aggressors fail to pay. Segués argued equality cannot be selective, "defended only when convenient." Andorra Endavant's Carine Montaner defended her party's stance, insisting the state should not assume aggressors' financial duties and claiming former head Toni Martí "would never have lifted" the reservation. She rejected Segués' monopoly on progressive thought. Espot called the analogy to theft "in poor taste," saying it was inappropriate to equate gender violence with robbery and urging focus on the law's progress.

Opposition bids for General Council access to AREB and AFA data were rejected, with Demòcrates and Finance Minister Ramon Lladós invoking EU monetary agreement confidentiality—despite prior Tribunal de Comptes requests. Lladós emphasised secrecy obligations, even for the government. Salomó Benchluch noted conflicts with EU rules. Baró decried it as an "excuse for opacity," suggesting an inquiry commission; Concòrdia and Andorra Endavant sought supervised access, with the majority open to commissions as exceptions. Social Democrats abstained on the banking resolution law update, while Concòrdia and Andorra Endavant backed it.

A Concòrdia push for transparency on Andorra Turisme's 80 confidential contracts out of over 1,200—mostly over €10,000—was defeated 16-11. Tourism Minister Jordi Torres said it would undermine negotiations, proposing public procurement reforms instead. Concòrdia's Pol Bartolomé argued publicity fosters trust despite audits; PS’s Laia Moliné and Montaner supported justification for secrecy. Torres noted most contracts are public, with parliamentary oversight available. The general tourism law passed by acclamation, with Torres thanking input on sustainability and de-seasonalisation.

Housing Minister Conxita Marsol accused opposition of blocking progress on three amendments to the 2027-2030 rental thaw bill, Andorra's key social issue. She backed phased deregulation with tenant protections to 2030, regretting absent consensus. Concòrdia's Cerni Escalé attacked the "low-cost, low-skilled" model hindering youth independence amid foreign property purchases. Baró questioned timing given shortages and wages, fearing "chaos." Montaner said existing steps destabilised markets, urging balance. Demòcrates’ Jordi Jordana dismissed amendments for lacking options.

**Other developments**

Casal detailed firecracker restrictions following public calls and a Swiss incident, focusing on safety for events like Sant Joan without full bans. Espot will attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan on 3-4 May to address democratic resilience. A tender is open for an administrative building on La Massana’s former Casa Parramon site.

The Council also approved an electricity interconnection agreement with Spain, boosting import capacity via a 220 kV line, and modified the golden rule for a progressive debt reduction to 25% of GDP.