Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and regional authorities, such as state or territory governments or regional bodies. These agreements allow regions to address specific labour shortages by accessing a broader range of overseas workers than standard skilled migration programs permit. DAMAs are tailored to meet the unique economic and labour market needs of designated areas, offering flexibility in response to local conditions.

Are You Interested in This Service?

DAMA Structure

DAMAs operate under a two-tier framework within defined regional areas:

1. Head Agreement

This is a five-year overarching deed between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR). The head agreement outlines the range of occupations and any concessions to standard visa eligibility criteria, such as English language proficiency, salary thresholds, or age limits.

2. Individual Labour Agreements

Under the head agreement, endorsed employers enter into individual labour agreements with the government. These agreements allow employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations specified in the head agreement.

DAMA Head and Labour Agreements

Employers seeking to utilize a DAMA must first obtain endorsement from the relevant DAR. Once endorsed, they can submit a labour agreement request through ImmiAccount. Approved DAMA labour agreements enable employers to nominate overseas workers for specific occupations under visa programs such as the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, and subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.

Employer Obligations

Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents before accessing a DAMA. Each DAMA specifies the region’s unique labour needs and outlines available concessions to standard visa requirements, ensuring that the employment of overseas workers supports both workforce demands and community interests.

Current DAMAs

As of December 2024, there are 13 active DAMAs across various regions in Australia, each managed by a Designated Area Representative:

Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA

Adelaide, SA

Managed by Skilled & Business Migration, this DAMA focuses on technology and innovation sectors to support Adelaide’s growing industries.

East Kimberley DAMA

East Kimberley, WA

Overseen by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressing labour shortages in this remote region.

Far North Queensland DAMA

Cairns, QLD

Coordinated by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, targeting diverse industries including tourism and agriculture.

Goulburn Valley DAMA

Goulburn Valley, VIC

Focused on the agricultural and dairy sectors, managed by the Goulburn Valley regional authority.

Great South Coast DAMA

Warrnambool, VIC

Administered by Warrnambool City Council, supporting industries like dairy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Northern Territory DAMA

Northern Territory, NT

Covers the entire Northern Territory, addressing a wide range of occupations to meet regional needs.

Orana DAMA

Orana, NSW

Managed by Regional Development Australia – Orana, focusing on sectors such as mining, agriculture, and healthcare.

Pilbara DAMA

Pilbara, WA

Overseen by RDA Pilbara, targeting the resources sector and associated industries.

South West DAMA

South West, WA

Administered by the Shire of Dardanup, addressing labour shortages in agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

The Goldfields DAMA

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA

Managed by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, focusing on mining and related services.

Each region collaborates with local businesses and stakeholders to address specific labour needs, regularly reviewing DAMA terms and endorsing employer requests.

Dreaming of Australia? Let’s Make It Happen!

Ongoing Evaluation

The Australian Government is committed to optimizing regional migration settings to support community and workforce needs while preventing worker exploitation. In June 2024, the Department of Home Affairs released the “Supporting Strong and Sustainable Regions: Review of Regional Migration Settings” discussion paper, seeking stakeholder input on improving regional migration policies.

Key Considerations for Visa Applicants

If you’re a visa applicant interested in the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements, processes, and opportunities associated with this pathway.

1. Employer Sponsorship

2. Occupation Eligibility

Each DAMA region has a tailored list of occupations that address local labour shortages. These lists may include roles not typically available under standard skilled migration programs, offering a broader range of opportunities. It’s crucial to verify that your occupation is listed in the specific DAMA region you’re targeting.

3. Concessions

One of the significant advantages of the DAMA program is the potential for concessions on standard visa requirements. Depending on the occupation and region, concessions may be available for:

English Language Proficiency: Some DAMAs offer reduced English language requirements, making it more accessible for applicants who may not meet the standard criteria.
Salary Thresholds: Certain regions may have concessions on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), allowing for sponsorship in occupations with lower salary levels compared to standard visa programs.
Age Limits: Some DAMAs provide age concessions, offering opportunities for applicants up to 55 years old to apply for visas, which is beneficial for those who may exceed age limits in other visa categories.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Many DAMA agreements include pathways to permanent residency, providing long-term opportunities for applicants and their families. It’s important to understand the specific PR pathways available under the DAMA you’re considering.

Application Process

Secure Employment: Begin by obtaining a job offer from an employer in a DAMA-designated region. The employer must be endorsed to participate in the DAMA program.
Employer Endorsement: Your prospective employer will apply for endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) and enter into a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Visa Application: Once the labour agreement is in place, you can proceed with your visa application under the relevant subclass, such as the Skills in demand (SID) visa (subclass 482).

List of Occupations

Each DAMA region has a specific list of occupations tailored to its labour market needs. These lists can vary significantly between regions. For example, the Orana DAMA in New South Wales includes 129 occupations eligible for sponsorship, ranging from skilled to semi-skilled roles .Similarly, the South Australian DAMA covers a wide range of occupations to address skill shortages across the state.

It’s essential to consult the specific occupation list for the DAMA region you’re interested in to ensure your occupation is eligible. These lists are typically available on the official websites of the respective Designated Area Representatives or regional development authorities.

Additional Resources

Department of Home Affairs: For comprehensive information on DAMAs, including current agreements and application procedures, visit the official website.
Regional Development Authorities: Many regions have dedicated websites providing detailed information on their specific DAMA programs, including occupation lists and application guidelines.

Our Support Services

Navigating DAMA-related labour agreements, nominations, and visa processes can be complex. We provide comprehensive support, including:

Preparing and advising on labour agreement applications
Assisting with nomination and visa applications
Assisting in preparation of employment offers/contracts to meet immigration standards
Handling all communications with the Department until the final decision

FAQs

What is a DAMA?

A DAMA is an agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities to address local labour shortages.

How does a DAMA work?

Employers in DAMA regions can sponsor overseas workers for occupations listed in the agreement, often with visa concessions.

What visas can be used under a DAMA?

Subclass 482 (TSS), Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Regional), and Subclass 186 (ENS) visas are commonly used.

Are there concessions under DAMAs?

Yes, concessions may include reduced English requirements, lower salary thresholds, and extended age limits.

Can I apply for a DAMA visa directly?

No, you need to secure a job offer from an employer endorsed under the DAMA program.

What occupations are covered by DAMAs?

Occupations vary by region and include skilled and semi-skilled roles tailored to local labour market needs.

Do DAMAs offer pathways to permanent residency?

Yes, many DAMAs include PR pathways, but specifics depend on the agreement and visa subclass.

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)