Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Visa

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.

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What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Visa?

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:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

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.

Steps to follow

  1. Employer applies for DAR (Designated Area Representative) endorsement
    • A business been actively operating for at least the last 12 months in the DAMA areas, and is currently financially viable
    • Ensure that the position you seek to fill is listed in the current occupation list
    • Show that you have actively tried to recruit an Australian worker for the vacant position(s) in the last 12 months
  2. After receiving the DAR endorsement, employer requests DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs
  3. Employer can now lodge Nominations and nominee lodges visa application with the Department of Home Affairs

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.

Check Eligibility
DAMA NameRegionsKey Information
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA- Adelaide CityFocuses on technology and innovation sectors in Adelaide.
East Kimberley, WA- East KimberleyManaged by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressing regional skill shortages.
Far North Queensland, QLD- CairnsManaged by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, focusing on skill shortages in Far North Queensland.
Goulburn Valley, VIC- Goulburn ValleyTargets skill shortages in the Goulburn Valley region.
Great South Coast, VIC- Great South CoastManaged by Warrnambool City Council, addressing skill shortages in the Great South Coast region.
Northern Territory, NT- Northern TerritoryFocuses on skill shortages across the Northern Territory.
Orana, NSW- OranaManaged by Regional Development Australia - Orana, NSW, targeting regional skill needs.
Pilbara, WA- PilbaraManaged by RDA Pilbara, focusing on skill shortages in the Pilbara region.
South Australia Regional, SA- South Australia RegionalFocuses on regional skill shortages in South Australia.
South West, WA- South WestManaged by the Shire of Dardanup, addressing skill shortages in the South West region.
The Goldfields, WA- The GoldfieldsManaged by the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, focusing on the Goldfields region.
Townsville, QLD- TownsvilleManaged 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.

Additional Notes:

  1. Occupations List: Each DAMA provides a list of eligible occupations that can be sponsored under the agreement. This list is specific to the regional needs of the area.
  2. Concessions: DAMAs often include concessions on standard visa requirements, such as lower English language thresholds or reduced salary requirements.
  3. Regional Focus: DAMAs are tailored to address specific skill shortages in designated regional areas, which may include both metropolitan and rural locations within the broader region.
  4. Application Process: Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally before applying for a DAMA. The process includes submitting an application that outlines the regional needs and proposed concessions.
  5. Each DAMA has specific terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria for employers and workers. It's essential to refer to the specific DAMA agreement for detailed information and requirements.

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