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.
What is GV DAMA?
The Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialized program designed to meet the unique workforce needs of the Greater Shepperton, Campaspe, and Moira Shire areas in Northern Victoria. Launched in December 2021. GV DAMA offers valuable flexibility and certainty for both employers and workers, providing a range of benefits:
1. Occupational Flexibility: Employers can add or remove occupations based on local demand and evidence, covering semi-skilled as well as skilled roles (Skill Levels 1-5).
2. Permanent Visa Pathways: All occupations in Skill Levels 1-5 have clear pathways to permanent residency.
3. Age and English Language Concessions: Age concessions of 55 or 50 (depending on occupation) are available, along with English language concessions for many occupations.
4. Multiple Visa Options: Employers can choose from various visa options like Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (SESR), each offering pathways to permanent residence.
5. Salary and Experience Concessions: Lower-skilled occupations benefit from salary concessions, and there are concessions to work experience requirements compared to standard skilled migration pathways.
The GV DAMA aims to:
Assist with workforce shortages and support workforce planning in the GV region.
Allow employers to supplement their workforce with overseas workers in cases where qualified Australians cannot be recruited.
Contribute to job growth and economic expansion in the GV area.
Ensure that overseas workers under DAMA receive fair and legal treatment, meeting Australian workplace laws.
Businesses seeking to participate in GV DAMA must meet specific criteria. They should have been operating in the GV region for at least 12 months, demonstrating viability and a track record of fulfilling obligations to their employees. Additionally, these businesses must have full-time positions that align with the Approved Occupations listed on the DAMA, positions that cannot be filled locally with Australian citizens or permanent residents. Moreover, they are required to offer terms and conditions of employment to overseas workers that are consistent with those provided to Australian workers in the region. Meeting these requirements ensures that businesses can participate in the GV DAMA program and hire overseas workers accordingly.
For prospective workers, the process begins with checking eligibility by ensuring your occupation is listed on the GV DAMA’s approved occupations list and verifying that you meet the necessary skills and qualifications. Next, you need to obtain a nomination from an approved employer under the GV DAMA and apply for the relevant visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (SESR) through the Department of Home Affairs. As part of the visa application, you'll need to meet health and character requirements and provide all required documentation, including evidence of qualifications, work experience, and, if applicable, English language proficiency. Once your visa is granted, make arrangements for relocation and settling into the Goulburn Valley region, and take advantage of available settlement services to assist with your integration into the community and workplace.
Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement provides a structured and accessible pathway for businesses in the GV region to address their workforce needs, tapping into global talent while ensuring fairness and compliance with Australian regulations.
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.
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