Andorra's PS Group Proposes Immigration Amendments for Families, Victims, and Key Workers

Andorra's Social Democratic Parliamentary Group (PS), also known as GPS, has submitted four amendments to the draft revisions of the Qualified Law on Immigration. Filed on Wednesday ahead of the 30 September deadline, the changes seek to streamline family reunification for workers in essential services, especially healthcare and education, and to strengthen administrative protections for victims of gender-based or domestic violence.

The proposals establish a dedicated family reunification framework for professionals in these critical sectors. Key elements include tailored economic requirements, expedited and prioritized processes, and steps to aid recruitment and retention of skilled personnel. PS ties the reforms to persistent staffing shortages, maintaining that immigration rules must accommodate the unique circumstances of such workers while upholding family rights alongside service needs.

For victims of gender-based or domestic violence, the amendments advocate easing reunification conditions, bolstering safeguards, and ensuring their residency status remains independent of any aggressor. This decoupling aims to shield their position in Andorra from ties to the perpetrator.

Additionally, the group urges the government to enact all required implementing regulations within six months of the law's passage.

PS contends these measures would harmonize demands for essential services, family unity, and aid for those in vulnerable positions.