Andorran commentator urges focus on wealthy immigration's economic risks over essential workers

**Andorran commentator calls for focus on economic impacts of wealthy immigration over essential labour needs**

Helena Anillo, in a commentary published by Altaveu on 30 December 2025, argues that public concerns about immigration in Andorra should target the economic and sustainability effects of large-scale capital inflows rather than the influx of necessary workers.

Anillo highlights a perceived double standard in immigration debates. She contends that Andorra relies on foreign labour to sustain its economy, yet discussions often overlook this while scrutinising the arrival of high-net-worth individuals and their investments. These inflows, she suggests, pose greater risks to long-term fiscal stability and environmental capacity than the workforce supporting key sectors like tourism, retail and construction.

The piece urges policymakers and residents to prioritise analysis of how substantial foreign capital affects housing affordability, public services and resource management. Anillo does not propose specific policy changes but frames her view as a call for balanced scrutiny amid rising immigration-related anxieties.

Recent surveys referenced in related Altaveu coverage indicate mixed sentiments: one in five Andorrans express worries over immigration's broader effects, while four in ten residents report direct impacts from high rental costs—a pressure point potentially exacerbated by wealthy newcomers.

Anillo's opinion arrives as Andorra navigates external agreements and internal challenges, including a technical deadlock on a new association accord and ongoing debates over energy projects like the Maià wind farm. Her commentary adds to discussions on justice, such as international support for amnesty in the BPA case, and local incidents like traffic chaos at Soldeu ski resorts.

No official response to Anillo's piece has been reported.