Espot announces immigration law amendment to introduce temporary work permits for specific projects
The measure will extend beyond construction to other sectors that can demonstrate specific staffing needs
The Government will propose an amendment to Andorra’s qualified immigration law to expand the types of permits available and facilitate recruitment for specific construction works or projects.
Prime Minister Xavier Espot announced the initiative while acknowledging the difficulties businesses face in meeting their workforce needs.
Espot said the Government is “aware” of the problems businesses face in finding workers. He argued that the immigration framework needs to be adapted to address staffing requirements linked to specific assignments.
The proposed temporary quota will therefore be pursued through a parliamentary amendment. The Prime Minister said the aim is to establish a more flexible system that can respond swiftly to businesses’ actual needs.
Permits for sectors beyond construction
The measure will not be limited to the construction industry. Espot reiterated that other economic sectors will also be eligible, provided they can demonstrate specific staffing needs associated with particular works or projects.
The proposal would expand the range of immigration permits available. The reform seeks to address recruitment needs arising during individual projects across different sectors of the economy.
Demonstrating those needs will be part of the proposed framework. The Government intends the new permits to meet business demand under the conditions established by the legislative amendment.
Flexibility tied to Andorra’s capacity to accommodate workers
The Prime Minister said the initiative aims to combine a faster response to businesses with immigration that remains “orderly, planned and consistent with the country’s capacity to accommodate newcomers”.
The expansion of permit categories would therefore need to take account of both workforce requirements and Andorra’s capacity to accommodate the workers concerned.
The announcement identifies the parliamentary route chosen to introduce the temporary quota, but the preliminary information does not specify the number of permits, their duration or when the measure would take effect. Those details remain to be clarified as the proposal develops.