Argentine seasonal workers bound for Andorra refused entry over Schengen requirements

Two young Argentine women were refused entry to Andorra after arriving to work the winter season, despite holding pre-contracts with Andorran employers, according to Marcelo "Riccie" Ponce, president of the association Argentinos en Andorra.

In a video posted to social media, Ponce said the women did not meet the requirements for staying in the Schengen Area and had to turn back after being denied entry. They had travelled intending to work the season and had relied on advice from seasonal workers who had previously worked in the Principality and assured them there would be no difficulties.

Ponce warned that holding a job offer does not exempt travellers from meeting the migration conditions set by European authorities. He stressed the need to check documentation before travelling and not to assume a pre-contract is sufficient, particularly with the EU's Entry/Exit system now in force, which records the entries and exits of non-EU citizens.

The association said holding a pre-contract with an Andorran employer does not exempt travellers from meeting the conditions required to enter the Schengen Area. Ponce urged seasonal workers not to rely on guidance from friends, acquaintances or even human resources staff who claim a pre-contract is sufficient to enter the country.

He noted that people leaving Argentina to come to Andorra initially travel as tourists and must therefore follow the procedures established for entering the Schengen Area. He called on anyone planning to work the season to seek information in advance and to satisfy both the requirements for obtaining an Andorran work permit and the conditions for entering the Schengen Area.

Argentinos en Andorra has provided limited assistance to the women, though Ponce acknowledged the association lacks legal support to resolve this type of situation.

The association said it will take part in the Fira d'Andorra la Vella, running from 23 to 25 October at Parc Central, with a stand in the associations area. It has announced a performance by Acharco Traviesa on Saturday 24 October at 2pm and a folklore and tango show on Sunday 25 October at 3pm, both on the main stage.