DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements)
Tailored Employer-Sponsored Visas for Regional Workforce Needs
Designated Area Migration Agreements
Overseas workers can operate under the DAMA framework instead of the standard skilled migration program. Regions operate under DAMA to respond to their unique economic needs and labour market conditions.
Covering a defined regional area, the two-tier agreement-based framework, the first tier comes with a five-year deed of agreement, otherwise called the head agreement. Specific labour agreements are drawn in the second tier with employers of a particular region. The territorial agreements list several occupations and agreed terms, conditions and concessions alongside the skilled visa eligibility principles that are negotiated between the parties. Individual labour agreements can be sought once the DAMA head agreement has been recognized for a business in that region.
Why Use a DAMA?
DAMA is a bespoke agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities, allowing approved employers in designated areas to sponsor both skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers, even for roles not listed on the standard skilled occupation lists. The program addresses local labour shortages with flexibility and tailored conditions.
Advantages
- Access to a wider range of eligible occupations, including non-standard roles.
- Concessions on age, English language, work experience, and salary, depending on the specific region.
- Pathways to permanent residency through subclass 186 or 494 visas.
- Addresses urgent regional skills needs with faster and flexible options for both employers and workers.
Requirements
- Employer must be endorsed by the region’s Designated Area Representative (DAR) and then lodge a DAMA labour agreement.
- Applicant must be nominated for an occupation on the region’s specific DAMA list.
- Must meet adjusted requirements (age, English, experience) as allowed by the agreement.
- When applying, a skills assessment is generally required, although some concessions may apply.
Current DAMA Regions
Australia currently hosts DAMAs in multiple areas, including:
- Adelaide City / South Australia Regional
- East Kimberley (WA) | Far North Queensland | Goulburn Valley
- Great South Coast (VIC) | Northern Territory | Orana (NSW)
- Pilbara (WA) | South West (WA) | The Goldfields (WA) | Townsville (QLD) | Western Australia statewide.
Northern Territory DAMA (latest agreement): Expanded to cover 325 occupations and increased annual nominations from 625 to 1,500 until 2030, offering more pathways to PR and supporting local workforce growth.
Application Process
Employer seeks endorsement from the DAR in their region.
Upon approval, they lodge a DAMA labour agreement request via ImmiAccount.
If the agreement is granted, the employer nominates the overseas worker under the DAMA terms.
Applicant submits visa application (usually subclass 482 SID, subclass 494, or ENs 186 depending on eligibility) under the agreed concessions.