Andorra CES Approves Expanded Immigration Quotas

The Economic and Social Council (CES), chaired by Minister of the Presidency, Economy, Labour and Housing Conxita Marsol, issued a favourable opinion on Thursday to the government's proposed immigration quotas, which will next be considered by the Council of Ministers.

The proposals feature a one-off expansion of the general quota by 150 authorisations—135 for residence and work, and 15 for cross-border workers. These focus on groups 1 and 2 of the National Classification of Occupations, including executive and management positions as well as highly qualified technical and scientific roles requiring advanced training. They also cover professionals in healthcare, education, and care services. This advance will be subtracted from the general quota set for April, prompted by the exhaustion of current permits in these high-demand categories ahead of the winter season's end.

In parallel, the government plans to reopen two previously exhausted quota types. A residence-without-work category will offer up to 200 authorisations, distributed among non-lucrative residency, professionals with international profiles, entrants for scientific, cultural or sporting reasons, and those admitted to private geriatric or healthcare facilities. A self-employment residence and work quota, also capped at 200, targets liberal professionals, registered doctors—prioritising 30 in healthcare—and other independent workers. These measures align with the framework of the new omnibus law, including changes like converting the €50,000 deposit to the Financial Authority into a non-refundable payment.

Marsol stressed that the quotas meet pressing economic and social demands, fit within current legal limits, and promote sustainable growth in key sectors. Business representatives from the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA) endorsed them, with president Gerard Cadena noting the need due to demand. Unions took mixed positions: Unió Sindical's Gabriel Ubach called for broader diversification to match real needs, while SEP's Sergi Esteves opposed reopening passive residence quotas until rental contract thawing progresses.

During the same CES meeting, Marsol outlined the government's rental market thawing plans, including gradual de-regulation and caps on rent hikes for tenant changes. The bill, shaped by parish meetings with owners and talks with the Housing Coordinator, aims for parliamentary submission next month, with CES input due in early March.

The CEA also reported ongoing work on origin-country hiring models, potentially trialling in Colombia for the next winter season.