DAMA

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are special agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities. They help businesses in specific regions hire skilled workers from overseas where they are needed.

Purpose

Aim to fill gaps in the local labor market by allowing businesses in designated areas to hire skilled workers from overseas when they can't find suitable local candidates.

Occupational Coverage

Typically covers a range of occupations that are in demand in the designated region. This can include both highly skilled professions and semi-skilled roles.

Two-Tier Framework:

1. Head Agreement: The foundation of DAMAs, this agreement spans five years and outlines occupations, terms, and concessions negotiated between the government and DAR.

2. Individual Labor Agreements: These agreements, based on the terms of the head agreement, allow employers within designated regions to sponsor employees via various visa programs, including the 482 TSS visa, 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, and 186 Employer Nominated Scheme visa.

How does DAMA Work?

Establishing DAMA

Regional authorities or organizations negotiate and establish a DAMA with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These agreements are customized to address the unique needs of the region, such as resolving skills shortages or promoting economic development.

Endorsement

To start, the employer needs to secure an endorsement from a participating Designated Area Representative (DAR). This step demonstrates their commitment to supporting the economic growth of the designated region.

Labor Agreement Request

After the employer obtains the endorsement, they will submit a labor agreement request online. This request outlines their specific needs and requirements for workers.

Visa Sponsorship/Nomination

Once the labor agreement is approved, your employer will sponsor or nominate you under the DAMA stream of specific visa programs. This step aligns with both your career objectives and the employer's business goals.

Frequently utilized Visas under DAMAs are:

• Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): Enables businesses to sponsor skilled workers for temporary employment.

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): Provides a provisional pathway for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas.

• Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): Offers a route to permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by their employer.

13 DAMAs in Operation

1.     Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA

Focuses on skilled and business migration to support Adelaide's technology and innovation sectors.

2.     East Kimberley, WA

Facilitated by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry to address skill shortages in the Kimberley region.

3.     Far North Queensland, QLD

Managed by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, aiming to attract skilled workers to Far North Queensland.

4.     Goulburn Valley, VIC

Designed for Goulburn Valley businesses to access overseas talent and address local skill gaps.

5.     Great South Coast, VIC

Operated by the Warrnambool City Council, focusing on skilled migration to support the Great South Coast region.

6.     Northern Territory, NT

Covers the Northern Territory and supports businesses in various sectors by facilitating overseas skilled migration.

7.     Orana, NSW

Managed by Regional Development Australia - Orana, NSW, to address skill shortages in the Orana region.

8.     Pilbara, WA

Facilitated by RDA Pilbara, supporting businesses in the Pilbara region with skilled migration solutions.

9.     South Australia Regional, SA

Similar to the Adelaide DAMA, focusing on skilled and business migration in South Australia's regional areas.

10.   South West, WA

Managed by the Shire of Dardanup, aimed at attracting skilled workers to the South West region of Western Australia.

11.   The Goldfields, WA

Operated by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, addressing skill shortages in the Goldfields region.

12.   Townsville, QLD

Managed by Townsville Enterprise Limited, supporting businesses in Townsville with skilled migration options.

13.   Western Australia

Managed by the Department of Training and Workforce Development's Migration Services, supporting businesses in Western Australia with skilled migration options.

By enabling businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas, DAMAs support local economic growth and help fill labor gaps. With visa options like the TSS, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional, and Employer Nominated Scheme visas, DAMAs provide valuable pathways for both employers and skilled workers, ensuring that regional areas can thrive with the right talent.

Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.