A DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is a formal agreement between the Australian government and regional, state, or territory authorities aimed at addressing labor shortages in specific regions. The DAMA allows employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that are not covered by standard skilled migration programs. These agreements offer more flexible migration options and are tailored to the needs of individual regions.
Key Features of the DAMA Agreement:
- Addressing Regional Labor Shortages: DAMA agreements are intended to fill critical labor gaps in regional areas where employers cannot find local workers to meet their needs. This includes industries like agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and more.
- Concessions: Under a DAMA, there are concessions that allow for more flexibility in the standard visa requirements. These can include:
- Lower English language proficiency requirements
- Lower salary thresholds
- Pathways to permanent residency
- Inclusion of occupations that are not listed on Australia’s national skilled occupation lists.
- Specific to Regions: Each DAMA is specific to a certain region in Australia, such as the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, or South Australia. Each region may have its own list of occupations in demand.
- Employer-Sponsored: Employers in the designated areas must be approved under the DAMA to sponsor workers. Employees must meet the eligibility criteria and be sponsored by an approved employer.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many DAMA agreements provide a pathway to permanent residency for workers after a set period of time.
The DAMA is part of Australia’s broader strategy to support regional areas by ensuring that businesses have access to the labor they need while also encouraging population growth in less populated areas.
Existing DAMAs
There are currently 13 DAMAs in place. Below is a list of those DAMAs with links to the respective DAR* websites that contain information on how to access each DAMA as well as which regions/locations/shires are covered:
- 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
