16 Argentine Families Deported from Andorra Over EES Family Reunification Violations

**Andorra la Vella** – Sixteen Argentine families have returned to their home country since October after Andorran authorities rejected family reunification applications for their minor children, citing violations of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) as the sole reason.

The group Argentinos en Andorra reports that the denials stemmed from families entering Andorra with children before securing formal reunification approvals, leading to stays beyond the 90-day Schengen limit for non-EU citizens. Richie Ponce, a leading member, pointed to the lack of invitation letters for minors joining established households—a key document that authorities have not issued despite its importance.

Marcelo Ponce, the association's president, told ATV that EES breaches accounted for all 16 cases, prompting some parents to leave with their children. He confirmed multiple meetings with government officials to discuss the matter, expressing hope for a resolution over time while citing bilateral treaties that protect immigrants' inalienable right to family reunification. Ponce criticised the current rules for their vagueness, which he said allows administrative discretion despite international commitments, and called on all parliamentary groups to probe the issue and propose fixes. "Theory is fantastic, but reality is another matter," he said, warning of families pursuing reunification for relatives already irregularly in Schengen territory—a situation not covered by law.

Yuri Catherine Barbosa, head of ColombiAND, described similar problems with Colombian minors forced to leave, sometimes accompanied by parents. She noted that even those meeting income requirements now face outright denials due to EES issues.

Andorra's reunification rules have grown stricter, requiring sponsors to prove minimum income (100% of the minimum wage for adults, 70% for minors), comprehensive health insurance, and three months of legal residency. The omnibus law permits non-renewal of permits if relatives hold irregular status. In late December, the Concòrdia party queried the government on EES-related denials and their impacts.

Argentinos en Andorra and other national groups plan to join a youth forum study examining migration hurdles, including family separations for work abroad.