Current Agreements | Occupations | Application Process | Fees & Charges | Permanent Residency Pathway
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (‘DAMA’) is a formal agreement between a regional state or territory and the Australian government. DAMAs are for employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers as a result of shortages in skills and labour supply.
Under DAMAs, employers are required to ensure their first priority is recruiting Australian citizens and permanent residents; the employers need to make sure they prioritise initiatives and strategies to facilitate the recruitment and retention of Australian workers.
A Designated Area Migration (DAMA) functions through a five-year Head Agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority. This overarching agreement sets the framework for businesses in that region to access skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
Individual employers within the designated area can then apply for a labour agreement under the conditions outlined in the Head Agreement, allowing them to sponsor workers for positions that may not be available through standard skilled migration pathways.
There are currently 13 DAMA’s in place across Australia, and each covers a define regional area of Australia as follows:
State/Territory | Number of DAMAs | Location/Region |
NSW | 1 | Orana |
QLD | 2 | Far North Queensland Townsville |
VIC | 2 | Goulburn Valley Great South Coast |
WA | 5 | Western Australia Goldfields South West Pilbara East Kimberley |
SA | 2 | Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement South Australia Regional |
NT | 1 | Northern Territory |
Each DAMA has their own occupation list (as this allows employers in the region greater flexibility to respond to local economic and labour market conditions)
The process for applying for a DAMA is as follows:
1. Employer identifies skill shortage, conducts labour market testing and identifies region/Designated Area Representative
2. Apply for endorsement with the Designated Area Representative to access the Labour agreement under DAMA
3. Once endorsement approved, the Designated Area Representative will forward the endorsement approval to Department of Home Affairs and the Employer
4. Employer applies for Labour Agreement. Typically, the labour agreement will be valid for 5 years.
5. Identification of overseas worker by employer
6. Lodge applicants’ nomination
7. Visa application
Please be aware that there is no guarantee that the Australian Government will grant a Labour Agreement even with the Designated Area Representative endorsement.
Prior to the end of each year of the labour agreement, the Employer needs to negotiate the number of positions (ceiling) they would like to nominate for the following year under the DAMA. This requires a separate endorsement process with the Designated Area Representative and assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
There can be a number of concessions that may be applicable under the DAMA. This may include (but not be limited to)
Each DAMA is different, and employers need to check the head agreement carefully (or engage with a Registered Migration Agent/Lawyer) to assist with navigating and understanding requirements.
Under DAMAs, employers are required to ensure their first priority is recruiting Australian citizens and permanent residents; the employers need to make sure they prioritise initiatives and strategies to facilitate the recruitment and retention of Australian workers.
Once approved, the labour agreement will typically be valid for 5 years. The Labour Agreement will outline and specify:-
Sponsorship obligations and reporting requirements
At Migration Downunder, we understand that navigating Australia’s visa system can be overwhelming and complex. Our team has extensive experience with guiding employers and individuals on the entire DAMA/Labour Agreement process, and in managing the subsequent visa application for the individual with the intention of making the process as seamless as possible.
Drawing on our 25 years of experience, we are well-positioned to help you: