Canada and Andorra Sign Youth Mobility Agreement
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
New Opportunities for Youth: Canada-Andorra Agreement
In a virtual ceremony, Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Maria Ubach Font, Andorra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement. This arrangement is designed to enhance opportunities for youth from both countries to live and work abroad.
International Experience Canada Program Expansion
Work and Travel for Young Adults
With this new agreement, young Canadians and Andorrans aged 18-30 can now work and travel for up to one year under the Working Holiday stream of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This initiative, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allows participants to work for the same employer throughout their stay.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Although current travel restrictions due to COVID-19 temporarily limit movement, this agreement promises future opportunities for cultural and work exchanges as conditions improve.
Strengthening International Ties
This agreement marks Canada’s 37th formal youth mobility arrangement and Andorra’s first. It highlights the importance of people-to-people connections and aims to enhance the global workforce while fostering stronger bilateral relationships.
Official Statements
“I am pleased that we have reached this arrangement with Andorra, which will further build our people-to-people ties. While we recognize that the pandemic poses some challenges and that travel may not be possible at the moment, we hope that Andorran youth will use this time to plan their future adventures in Canada. Our country has much to offer, and we look forward to welcoming you when we can.”
– The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Canada and Andorra are both members of La Francophonie and share many priorities including gender equality, combating climate change, promoting economic security and strengthening multilateralism. This new agreement only further cements the strong bonds between our countries while providing the next generation with life-changing experiences and opportunities.”
– Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Andorra and Canada have excellent bilateral and multilateral relations based on common values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, prosperity and multilingualism. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Principality of Andorra. Our 2 countries have developed a strong relationship expressed through bilateral cooperation in the fields of education and innovation. This agreement will promote the youth mobility between our 2 countries. Indeed this is the first youth mobility arrangement signed by Andorra and an example of this fruitful collaboration.”
– Maria Ubach Font, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra
Key Information
Canada continues to accept IEC profile submissions despite current processing delays due to the pandemic. Resumption of normal operations will align with public health advice.
Canada and Andorra maintain active collaborations within the United Nations and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Over 200,000 Canadians have participated in the IEC Program since 2008, gaining valuable experiences that enrich their personal and professional lives.
Related Resources
Contact Information
Contacts for media only
Kevin Lemkay
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
