Designated Area Migration Agreement
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and regional, state, or territory authorities that allows employers in designated areas to access a broader range of overseas workers than the standard skilled migration programs permit.
DAMA provides tailored solutions to address specific regional labor shortages by offering concessions to standard visa requirements under the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) and the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa. These agreements allow employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers in occupations that are not available on the standard skilled occupation lists.
As of now, there are 12 DAMAs in place across different regions of Australia. Each DAMA is negotiated based on the unique workforce needs of its specific region and provides a targeted solution to address skill shortages in those areas.
The following DAMAs are currently in effect:
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA – Skilled & Business Migration
East Kimberley, WA – East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Far North Queensland, QLD – Cairns Chamber of Commerce
Goulburn Valley, VIC – Goulburn Valley
Great South Coast, VIC – Warrnambool City Council
Northern Territory, NT– Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
Orana, NSW – Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
Pilbara, WA – RDA Pilbara
South Australia Regional, SA – Skilled & Business Migration
South West, WA – Shire of Dardanup
The Goldfields, WA – City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Townsville, QLD – Townsville Enterprise Limited
Western Australia – Department of Training and Workforce Development
Each of these agreements is designed to meet the workforce demands in their respective areas, covering a diverse range of industries including agriculture, healthcare, tourism, construction, and mining.
DAMA agreements provide access to a broader range of occupations that are typically not included in the standard skilled migration program. Below are 10 examples of occupations available under certain DAMAs:
Aged or Disability Carer
Bar Attendant Supervisor
Meat Processor
Truck Driver
Dairy Farmer
Driller
Office Manager
Beauty Therapist
Pest Controller
Barista
Employers who wish to sponsor workers under a DAMA must first apply for endorsement from the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR) in their region. Once endorsed, they can then apply for a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement allows them to sponsor overseas workers under the specific DAMA conditions.
A DAMA may be the best solution for employers in designated regional areas facing persistent skill shortages. If you are an employer looking to fill workforce gaps or a skilled worker considering employment in Australia’s regional areas, contact us today to explore your eligibility and options under a DAMA agreement.
Expert guidance in securing Labour Agreements and visa concessions
Tailored solutions for businesses facing skill shortages
Industry-specific expertise to meet workforce demands
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Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled workers, an individual exploring visa options, or a business with specialised labour needs, One Planet Migration Law is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a successful and tailored immigration strategy.
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