A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a type of Labour Agreement. Labour Agreements are work agreements that enable approved employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers and in response to identified market shortages. These agreements are negotiated between the Department and employers or industrial associations. Other types of labour agreements also include Company-specific labour agreements, Project agreements, Global Talent Scheme (GST) agreements and Industry labour agreements.
DAMAs are labour agreements between a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Australian Government and provide access to additional occupations and concessions to standard migration programs under the:
Once a DAMA is in place, local businesses can apply for endorsement and enter into individual labour agreements under the conditions of the relevant DAMA.
The DAMA Visa offers a flexible solution for individuals seeking employment in specific regions facing skill shortages. This visa provides the advantage of a broader list of eligible occupations and more lenient requirements, making it a practical choice for those looking to work in designated areas of Australia. The DAMA visa supports long-term stability and provides a pathway to permanent residency, contributing to regional development and ensuring job security. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are tailored agreements designed to address regional skill shortages with specific concessions on standard visa requirements. They vary by region and industry, offering flexibility to meet local needs.
DAMA Name | Regions | Key Information |
---|---|---|
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA | - Adelaide City | Focuses on technology and innovation sectors in Adelaide. |
East Kimberley, WA | - East Kimberley | Managed by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressing regional skill shortages. |
Far North Queensland, QLD | - Cairns | Managed by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, focusing on skill shortages in Far North Queensland. |
Goulburn Valley, VIC | - Goulburn Valley | Targets skill shortages in the Goulburn Valley region. |
Great South Coast, VIC | - Great South Coast | Managed by Warrnambool City Council, addressing skill shortages in the Great South Coast region. |
Northern Territory, NT | - Northern Territory | Focuses on skill shortages across the Northern Territory. |
Orana, NSW | - Orana | Managed by Regional Development Australia - Orana, NSW, targeting regional skill needs. |
Pilbara, WA | - Pilbara | Managed by RDA Pilbara, focusing on skill shortages in the Pilbara region. |
South Australia Regional, SA | - South Australia Regional | Focuses on regional skill shortages in South Australia. |
South West, WA | - South West | Managed by the Shire of Dardanup, addressing skill shortages in the South West region. |
The Goldfields, WA | - The Goldfields | Managed by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, focusing on the Goldfields region. |
Townsville, QLD | - Townsville | Managed by Townsville Enterprise Limited, addressing regional skill needs. |
Western Australia | - Western Australia (various regions) | Managed by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, focusing on skill shortages in WA. |