Australia’s Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) provide a flexible, tailored migration pathway to help regional employers sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers in response to labor shortages. At Australian Shores, we assist both employers and migrants in navigating the DAMA process, ensuring a smooth and compliant sponsorship arrangement.

What is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special type of labour agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority. It allows businesses in regional areas to sponsor overseas workers under more flexible conditions than standard visa programs.

DAMA agreements are customised for specific regional needs and allow access to a wider range of occupations, including lower-skilled roles that are not typically available under standard skilled visa programs.

Key Benefits of a DAMA

• More occupations available, including skilled, semi-skilled, and trade-based roles not listed on standard migration programs.
• Concessions on visa requirements, including potential exemptions for age, English language proficiency, and salary thresholds.
• Long-term work and residency options, with some DAMAs offering pathways to Permanent Residency.
• Focused on regional development, helping local businesses fill critical labor shortages.
• Greater flexibility for employers, making it easier to sponsor workers when standard migration programs do not meet their needs.

How Does a DAMA Work?

DAMA agreements operate under a two-tier system:

1. A DAMA is established between the Australian Government and a regional authority, defining the conditions and occupations eligible under the agreement.
2. Employers in the designated area apply for a labour agreement under the DAMA, allowing them to sponsor skilled overseas workers.

Unlike standard employer-sponsored visas, DAMAs allow for more relaxed eligibility criteria, making it easier for businesses to recruit overseas talent.

Who is Eligible?

For Employers

• Must be located in a designated regional area with an approved DAMA agreement.
• Must demonstrate genuine skills shortages and efforts to recruit locally before applying.
• Must meet financial viability and labour market testing requirements.

For Migrants:

• Must meet occupation requirements under an approved DAMA agreement.
• May benefit from reduced English language, salary, and skills assessment criteria (depending on the agreement).
• Must hold the required qualifications and work experience for the role.

Where are DAMAs Available?

Several regional areas in Australia have active DAMA agreements, including:

• Northern Territory DAMA
• Far North Queensland DAMA
• South Australia DAMA
• Victoria's Great South Coast DAMA
• Goldfields DAMA (Western Australia)
• Pilbara DAMA (Western Australia)
• Orana DAMA (New South Wales)

Each DAMA has unique occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and concessions, tailored to the region's specific needs.

Next Steps – Contact Us

If you are an employer looking to sponsor overseas workers or a skilled migrant seeking opportunities under a DAMA, our team can provide expert assistance.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options.