Concòrdia Demands Data on A1 Catalan Requirement for Andorran Residence Renewals

The parliamentary group Concòrdia has asked the Andorran government for data on the application of the A1-level Catalan requirement for first-time renewals of certain residence permits, effective since 26 April 2026 under the Qualified Law on Immigration and the Law on the Own and Official Language.

General Councillor Maria Àngels Aché submitted a parliamentary question seeking the total number of renewal requests processed, how many lacked the required A1 accreditation, and the outcomes of those cases.

This follows Culture Minister Mònica Bonell's statement that no renewals have been rejected so far for missing A1 proof. Concòrdia seeks clarity on the rule's enforcement, arguing it must move beyond paper commitments to become a practical reality.

The group views Catalan proficiency as essential for integration and calls for sufficient resources to make training accessible to all affected residents, ensuring they can meet the obligation.

Concòrdia notes the Immigration Department's guidelines list A1 certification as mandatory, raising questions about possible explanations for zero denials: full compliance by applicants or approvals despite missing documentation. It stresses this as the first link between basic language skills and permit renewals, with potential effects on thousands, and insists on rigorous enforcement alongside clear communication.

Exceptions apply only in justified cases. The government's response in parliament will reveal whether adherence has been total or if discretion has played a role.