Andorran Social Democrats Demand Halt to Minor-Linked Permit Revocations

The Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) has urged Andorra's government to suspend proceedings revoking work and residence permits tied to undocumented family members, particularly minor children, and to overhaul family reunification criteria.

PS president Pere Baró and executive committee member Gerard Alís made the plea during a press conference on Tuesday. They called for individual reviews of each case, weighing factors like length of residence, social and family ties, parents' employment status, children's age and schooling. Among their proposals: a temporary regularization route for affected minors; updates to regulations prioritizing family unity and children's best interests; and full disclosure of data on open files and impacted families.

Baró highlighted the inconsistency between official talk of a welcoming Andorra and policies that could uproot families. "You cannot claim everyone is welcome while passing rules that jeopardize parents' permits because a minor child lacks proper status," he said. "Being a welcoming country is not just rhetoric—it's about governing."

The PS estimated around 30 cases at risk, though they lack official figures, referencing Ciutadà's Raonador tool. Alís stressed the importance of immigration to ease labour shortages amid Andorra's low fertility rate, arguing workers need stability to form families. The party warned of parliamentary action if the government does not soon release the numbers.

The demands target recent changes under Law 5/2025, enacted through an omnibus bill, which the PS says apply retroactively and threaten children's rights and integrated schoolchildren.

In response, State Secretary for Justice and Interior Joan León affirmed the government must enforce current law but added that the executive "is open to analysing this issue." No further action from the government has been announced.