Virtus Urges Andorra Government for Rigorous, Sector-Tailored Migration Policy

Virtus, the Andorran political party, has called on the government to strengthen migration policy controls and planning, adapting them to the Principality's real needs and providing clear, predictable rules for businesses.

The party highlighted recent criteria changes by the Interior Ministry during the current legislative term, including resolutions issued at the start of summer that later required adjustments. Virtus said these moves foster legal uncertainty and pressed for broader consultations with affected sectors before new immigration steps, to ensure coherent, foreseeable standards aligned with local conditions.

Focusing on Andorra's economic and labour landscape, Virtus addressed the seasonal nature of sectors such as hospitality and restaurants. It argued that business owners should have the flexibility to keep operations running or pause them during quieter periods, depending on their financial and personal situations.

The party demanded a "clear, rigorous and improvisation-free" regulatory framework overall. On passive residents, it drew a line between those relocating for safety and quality of life, and individuals allegedly using the rules solely for self-interest. Virtus proposed dissolving companies that skip financial statements, fail to file accounts or neglect tax duties—labelling them shell firms—and barring residence permit renewals for their sole administrators. It also urged differentiated criteria, noting that elderly newcomers differ from working-age people seeking only fiscal perks, and called for consistent rigour across the board.

To tackle worker poaching, Virtus wants safeguards for the first employer handling recruitment, residence and work formalities. These should ensure the employee stays linked until at least the initial permit renewal.

On family reunification, the party sought a reliable census of dependants—minors or adults—and upfront family disclosures from residence and work permit applicants. This would allow the Immigration Service to handle cases transparently, avoiding irregularities or last-minute issues. Virtus also backed well-defined origin contracts that match actual labour market demands.

Additional proposals included sector-specific quotas for temporary staff, an updated cross-border worker register, short-term housing options and a reinforced Immigration Service for forward-looking oversight. "Immigration yes, but with order, rigour, foresight, and respect for Andorra's real needs," the party stated.