Bridging Skills Gaps: Understanding the RDA Orana DAMA

In today's dynamic economy, skilled migrants play a vital role in filling critical skill shortages across various industries in Australia. One significant initiative addressing these gaps is the Regional Development Australia Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (RDA Orana DAMA). Let's delve deeper into what this agreement entails, including the concessions available to employers seeking skilled workers.

What is the RDA Orana DAMA?

The RDA Orana DAMA is a five-year agreement between the Australian Government and the Regional Development Australia Orana (RDA Orana) region. It allows local employers in specific industries to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to meet their workforce needs.

How Does It Work?

Local employers can sponsor overseas workers who have high-level skills in designated occupations identified under the DAMA. These workers bring immediate expertise and fill crucial positions that may otherwise remain vacant due to local skill shortages.

Supporting Local Employment

The DAMA encourages employers to prioritize Australian workers for available roles. However, certain concessions are available for skills, qualifications, and experience, enhancing the flexibility of recruitment while maintaining standards.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

1.       Occupations on Eligible Skilled Occupation Lists (Skill Levels 1-3):

    Nominees must meet standard visa requirements       

AQF qualifications obtained in Australia require one year of relevant work experience

for a TSS visa or two years for an SESR visa.

2.       Occupations not on Eligible Skilled Occupation Lists:

         Skills assessment is required for these occupations.

3.       Occupations under Industry Labor Agreements:

        Requirements align with the associated Industry Labor Agreements.

For Meat Industry Labor Agreement (MILA) occupations like Meat Process Worker, specific skills, qualifications, and experience criteria apply as outlined in the agreement.

Concessions

Under the RDA Orana DAMA, specific concessions have been negotiated to provide flexibility in recruiting staff members who may not fully meet standard visa criteria but can safely perform the functions of the intended role. These concessions include:

•  Permanent Residence Pathway: Skilled migrants sponsored under the DAMA may have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme visa after three years of living and working in the Orana region.

•  Age Concession: Depending on the skill level of the occupation, age concessions of up to 55 years for Skill Levels 1-4 and up to 50 years for Skill Level 5 are available.

• Concession to English Language Requirement: Some occupations under the DAMA may qualify for an English language concession, allowing for lower English language test scores under specific visa categories.

•  Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Concession: Two types of concessions are available to meet the TSMIT requirements while considering industry standards and market salary rates:

Type 1: Ensures annual monetary earnings meet at least 90% of TSMIT along with meeting Award requirements and market salary rate expectations.

Type 2: Specifies criteria for monetary and non-monetary earnings to meet TSMIT, ensuring fairness and consistency in compensation packages.

With opportunities for permanent residency pathways, age concessions, English language concessions, and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) concessions, the DAMA provides a pathway for both employers and skilled migrants to thrive in the Orana region.

Embracing this agreement not only fills crucial roles but also fosters a dynamic and inclusive workforce. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the full potential of skilled migration in the Orana region!