DAMA

Designated Area Migration Agreement

What is a DAMA?

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 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa 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.

How Many DAMAs Are There?

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.

How Many DAMAs Are There?

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.

Current DAMAs in Australia

The following DAMAs are currently in effect:

  1. Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA – Skilled & Business Migration

  2. East Kimberley, WA – East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  3. Far North Queensland, QLD – Cairns Chamber of Commerce

  4. Goulburn Valley, VIC – Goulburn Valley

  5. Great South Coast, VIC – Warrnambool City Council

  6. Northern Territory, NT – Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement

  7. Orana, NSW – Regional Development Australia - Orana, NSW

  8. Pilbara, WA – RDA Pilbara

  9. South Australia Regional, SA – Skilled & Business Migration

  10. South West, WA – Shire of Dardanup

  11. The Goldfields, WA – City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

  12. Townsville, QLD – Townsville Enterprise Limited

  13. 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.

Concessions Available Under DAMA

A key benefit of DAMA arrangements is that they provide concessions to the standard visa criteria under the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 visa programs. Some common concessions include:

  • Reduced English language requirements for certain occupations

  • Lower salary thresholds to reflect regional market rates

  • Pathways to permanent residency for select occupations

  • Age limit concessions for skilled migration pathways

  • Access to occupations not included on the standard skilled occupation lists

Occupations Available Under DAMA but Not on the Standard Skilled Occupation List

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:

  1. Aged or Disability Carer

  2. Bar Attendant Supervisor

  3. Meat Processor

  4. Truck Driver

  5. Dairy Farmer

  6. Driller

  7. Office Manager

  8. Beauty Therapist

  9. Pest Controller

  10. Barista

How Employers Can Access a DAMA

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.

Is a DAMA Right for You?

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.

Why Choose One Planet Migration Law?

  • Expert guidance in securing Labour Agreements and visa concessions

  • Tailored solutions for businesses facing skill shortages

  • Industry-specific expertise to meet workforce demands

  • Seamless application support for both employers and visa applicants

Get Expert Assistance Today

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.