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 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.

DAMA

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

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.

Trusted by Employers Across Australia

“One Planet Migration Law brings professionalism and attention to detail that’s crucial in migration law. They understand urgency and provide clear, actionable advice to move forward with confidence.”
Michael Toby
Costa Group
“Our company has relied on Tina’s expertise in immigration law for many years, across different firms and now with One Planet Migration Law. We value the team’s attention to detail and ability to work with people from all walks of life, which is why we continue to trust them with our immigration matters.”
Juliana Jogianto
Business Owner
“We rely on One Planet for complex immigration and sponsorship matters. They are thorough, knowledgeable, and cover every scenario to ensure positive outcomes. Always professional, always approachable.”
Henriette Csano
Principal Consultant
“Faced with a unique sponsorship challenge, One Planet Migration Law guided us to a successful outcome. Their grasp of both immigration law and business realities was remarkable—clear, proactive, and client-focused.”
Tushaar Anand
Director, Cisco
“The team’s knowledge, empathy, and clarity turned what could have been a stressful immigration process into a smooth, efficient experience. Highly recommended for all employer sponsorship needs.”
Alistair Scott
Digital Trust Specialist
“One Planet Migration Law made securing skilled visas for our employees seamless. Their professionalism and deep knowledge not only supported our staff but also enabled our business to grow by bringing in the talent we needed. Highly recommended for any employer navigating migration with confidence.”
Mohit Kumar
Business Owner
Google Reviews

We believe in the power of migration.

Simplifying Immigration, Connecting Humanity.

Posted on Google Google
Gwen Coghill profile picture
Gwen Coghill
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tina and Deepika have guided me through, what felt to me, like a complex case. They answered my endless questions with empathy and used terms I would understand. I was lacking confidence of the process at times, but I was reassured by both of them when needed. Overall a pleasure to work with. Thank you for getting me over every hurdle that popped up and managing to have all our visas granted in such a short amount of time. I am so glad that I found Tina again, I was also so pleased to find she had her own law firm from the last time we spoke. Very well deserved.
Posted on Google Google
Reza profile picture
Reza
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had the pleasure of working with Tina and her team recently. My partner and I were in a very stressful situation due to a sudden change in our circumstances. Tina gave us a clear plan, spent enough time addressing our concerns, and kept us informed throughout the process. She and her team helped us effectively with my wife's visa within a very short timeframe. I would strongly recommend One Planet Migration Law.
Posted on Google Google
Taraneh Kassiri profile picture
Taraneh Kassiri
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tina’s help was indispensable when I began the process of moving to Australia. She helped my husband and I work through the paperwork and gain clarity on what was needed. Without her, the process would have been so much more difficult. We’re very grateful for her assistance, which she carried out professionally, responsiveness, clarity and joy
Posted on Google Google
Josh profile picture
Josh
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
So great at their jobs. Absolutely a dream to work with. These people go above and beyond and as a Canadian lawyer myself, I cannot think of another time I've worked professionally with people who are so kind, diligent, and competent. I cannot recommend One Planet enough.
Posted on Google Google
shaghayegh lotfi profile picture
shaghayegh lotfi
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’m incredibly grateful to Tina Masrour, Deepika, and Rhel from One Planet for their outstanding support with my parents’ Subclass 600 Tourist Visa application. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail, both of my parents received their visas with a smooth and successful outcome. I truly appreciate their hard work, responsibility, and patience throughout the process. They were clear, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping us. I highly recommend One Planet Immigration to anyone in need of expert immigration assistance. Thank you again for everything!
Posted on Google Google
Anton Jordaan profile picture
Anton Jordaan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Appreciate the meeting with Tina. She is an experienced professional who thinks laterally, and methodically presented various visa application and success data in a way that guides and supports informed decision making.
Posted on Google Google
Thivanka Silva profile picture
Thivanka Silva
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Figuring out the PR process felt really confusing, but One Planet Migration really helped me find the right way forward. Tina was super helpful and gave me so much useful information. If you're trying to understand the PR process and want great support, especially from someone as helpful as Tina, I definitely recommend One Planet Migration.
Posted on Google Google
Mel profile picture
Mel
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thank you Deepika and Tina for assisting me all throughout my visa application. It's been a breeze and I am grateful.
Posted on Google Google
Naim Smith profile picture
Naim Smith
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tina Masrour and the team at One Planet Migration Law were a great resource in guiding us through our application for migration to Australia. From the initial consultation, to getting my qualifications recognized by Engineers Australia and submitting an expression of interest on our behalf they demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the immigration process, providing clear and accurate guidance at every step. They took the time to understand our unique circumstances and tailored their advice accordingly. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering migration to Australia.
Badges

Awards and Affiliations

Our Team Members

Joseph Sukkar, Immigration Lawyer at One Planet Migration Law

Tina Nematian

Founder & Principal Lawyer

Ivana Djoneski, Immigration Lawyer at One Planet Migration Law

Ivana Djoneski

Immigration Practice Leader

Rhel Tidoso, Immigration Case Manager at One Planet Migration Law

Joseph Sukkar

Immigration Lawyer

Simon Jeans, Special Counsel at One Planet Migration Law

Simon Jeans

Special Counsel

Rhel Tidoso

Immigration Case Manager

Maria Reglos, Immigration Team Member at One Planet Migration Law

Maria Reglos

Finance Lead

Our Locations

Enquiry form



    Upload supporting documents (optional)

    Please upload any relevant documents you have available.
    You can still submit your enquiry without uploading documents.

    One file per field. Maximum 3 MB per file. Accepted formats: PDF, JPG and PNG. CVs/resumes may also be uploaded in DOC or DOCX format.

    Ready to Move Forward?

    Whether you’re planning your own migration or growing your workforce, let us make immigration seamless for you.

    Explore More on DAMA

    People Also Ask About DAMA

    A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional authority (such as a state, territory, or local council) that allows employers in that region to sponsor overseas workers for occupations not normally available through standard visa pathways.

    DAMA offers concessions not available through standard sponsorship, including access to occupations not on standard skills lists, lower salary thresholds (TSMIT concessions), lower English language requirements, and age concessions.

    DAMA agreements currently operate in several regions including the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, Adelaide, South Australia, the Goldfields in Western Australia, the Great South Coast of Victoria, and other designated regional areas.

    Yes. Most DAMA pathways include a permanent residency pathway through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Workers typically need to work for their sponsor for two to three years before being eligible.

    Employers based in a designated area who are endorsed by their regional certifying body can use DAMA. The employer must demonstrate genuine skill shortages and an inability to find suitable Australian workers locally.

    Each DAMA has its own occupation list tailored to the specific labour needs of that region. These often include occupations not available on national skills lists, such as aged care workers, cooks, bakers, and certain trades.

    DAMA allows salary concessions below the standard Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). The exact concession varies by agreement and occupation but typically ranges from 10% to 30% below the standard threshold.

    The process involves three stages: employer endorsement by the regional body (4 to 8 weeks), visa nomination (1 to 3 months), and visa application (2 to 6 months). Total processing is typically 6 to 12 months.

    Yes. DAMA visa holders must live and work in the designated regional area. If you move outside the region, you may breach your visa conditions and risk cancellation.

    Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your DAMA visa application. They will have work and study rights in Australia.

    Need help with dama? Our migration lawyers are here to guide you.

    Book a Consultation
    Scroll to Top