South Australia is ushering in a new era of skilled migration with significant updates to its Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs). The South Australian Government, in collaboration with the Australian Government, has extended and expanded its two DAMAs the South Australian Regional DAMA and the Adelaide City DAMA until June 30, 2025. These agreements are designed to address critical skills shortages across the state and metropolitan Adelaide by providing a streamlined pathway for overseas workers to fill gaps in local labor markets.
Adelaide City DAMA
- Focused on metropolitan Adelaide, this agreement is designed to bolster high-tech industries such as defense, space, advanced manufacturing, and technology. It aims to support Adelaide’s growing technology and innovation sectors by attracting a skilled workforce.
South Australian Regional DAMA
- This agreement covers the entire state of South Australia and targets high-growth regional industries including agribusiness, forestry, health and social services, tourism, hospitality, construction, and mining. It provides a framework for addressing skills shortages in various regional areas.
Key Enhancements to South Australia’s DAMAs
Expanded Occupation Lists
The SA Regional DAMA has added 128 new occupations to its list, including roles in construction, trades, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy sectors. This expansion addresses a broader range of industry needs and reflects the evolving economic landscape of South Australia.
Increased Nomination Ceiling
The annual nomination ceiling for the SA Regional DAMA has been significantly increased from 700 to 2,000 positions. This substantial boost allows for greater flexibility and capacity to meet the state’s diverse workforce demands.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Both Adelaide City DAMA and South Australian Regional DAMA retain the pathway to permanent residency for all visa holders, offering a long-term solution for skilled workers.
The age concession has been maintained up to 55 years, and there is a 10% reduction in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), making the program more accessible.
Concessions for Applicant
The DAMAs offer various concessions on English language requirements, salary thresholds, skills, and work experience, tailored to meet specific industry needs and improve the attractiveness of South Australia to international talent.
Removal of Certain Occupations
Occupations such as Grape Growers, Actors, Dancers, and other Entertainers have been removed from the DAMAs. This change reflects a strategic realignment of the program to better address current skill shortages.
Metro Occupations
Executive and Managerial
Creative and Artistic
Science and Technology
Engineering and Technical
Design and Multimedia
Health
Education and Training
Technical and Trade
Regional Occupations
Agriculture and Farming
Management and Supervisory
Creative and Performing Arts
Engineering and Technical
Science and Research
Education
Technical and Trade
Application Process
For Employers:
Endorsement: Employers must first obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR), which is Skilled & Business Migration within the Department for Innovation and Skills.
Labour Agreement: After endorsement, employers apply for a DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement allows them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers with concessions from standard visa requirements.
Nomination and Visa Application: Once the Labour Agreement is in place, employers can nominate positions and support visa applications for overseas workers.
For Workers: Individual workers cannot apply directly for a DAMA Labour Agreement. They must be nominated by an eligible employer who holds a DAMA Labour Agreement.
No Fees:
Endorsement by Immigration SA is Free of charge.
No fee for entering into a DAMA Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
Applicable Fees:
Nomination Application: charged by the Australian Government for processing.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy is required as part of the sponsorship process.
Worker Visa Application fee for the worker’s visa processing.
Professional services costs for assistance with applications and evidence gathering.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1: What are the main benefits of the South Australian DAMA program for employers?
- Employers benefit from a higher nomination ceiling, access to a broader range of occupations, concessions on visa requirements, and a pathway to permanent residency for sponsored workers.
Q2: How can businesses apply for the DAMA?
- Businesses must first obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) by demonstrating they are financially viable, have a genuine need for overseas workers, and have been unable to fill positions locally. They then apply for a DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Q3: Are there any fees associated with the DAMA program?
- There are no fees for obtaining endorsement from Immigration SA or entering into a DAMA Labour Agreement. However, there are fees for nomination applications, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, and visa applications.
Q4: Can individuals apply directly for a DAMA visa?
- No, individuals cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by an employer who has an active DAMA Labour Agreement.
Q5: What are the key concessions available under the DAMA program?
- Concessions include a reduction in English language requirements, lower salary thresholds, and relaxed work experience requirements. There is also an age concession up to 55 years.
Q6: What is the processing time for a DAMA visa?
- The estimated processing time for a Dama visa is 2 to 4 months. However, individual circumstances may extend this timeframe. Each application is evaluated on its own merits in accordance with Australian migration laws.
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