A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government or regional authority. It is a specialised visa program in Australia designed to address labor shortages in specific regions. Unlike other visa programs, DAMA allows employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. This program is a significant part of Australia’s immigration strategy, providing flexibility to regional employers and offering pathways to permanent residency for workers.
Key Features of DAMA:
- Targeted Regional Focus: DAMA is tailored to meet the unique workforce needs of specific regions. These areas may face challenges in attracting skilled workers, making DAMA a crucial tool for regional economic development.
- Expanded Occupation Lists: Unlike standard visa programs, DAMA agreements often include a broader range of occupations, including those not on the national skilled occupation list.
- Concessions and Flexibility: DAMA provides concessions on English language requirements, salary thresholds, and age limits, making it more accessible to a wider range of applicants.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many DAMA agreements offer pathways to permanent residency, making it an attractive option for skilled workers looking to settle in Australia.
Existing DAMAs
At the moment, thirteen DAMAs are in operation. The DAMAs listed below, along with links to the corresponding Designated Area Representative (DAR)* websites that provide details on each DAMA’s coverage areas and how to access them, are as follows:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- East Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Far North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of Commerce,
- Goulburn Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley
- Great South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool City Council
- Northern Territory, NT: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
- Orana, NSW: Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
- Pilbara, WA: RDA Pilbara
- South Australia Regional, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- Southwest, WA: Shire of Dardanup
- The Goldfields, WA: City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
- Townsville, QLD: Townsville Enterprise Limited
- Western Australia: Department of Training and Workforce Development
* DARs work closely with employers and stakeholders in their region to understand their unique labour needs and the broader community views. They undertake annual reviews of DAMA terms/operation and also endorse individual requests from businesses seeking access to DAMA arrangements, prior to the business lodging a DAMA labour agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs.
Why You Should Know About DAMA
Whether you are an employer in a Designated Area or the skilled worker looking for opportunities to work in Australia, a working knowledge of DAMA can make a difference. It brings with itself employers into the pool of prospective employees and gives access to the very finest people for their business even when those skills are nott readily available locally. On the other hand, it provides opportunities to skilled workers in those regions that offer a high quality of life with a generally lower cost of living compared to major cities.
Of all the immigration policies ever formulated, DAMA is the most flexible and newest innovative solution in a changing landscape of immigration policies. Whether you are looking to grow your business or seeking a new life in Australia, DAMA could be the pathway that aligns with your goals.
