WHAT IS THE DESIGNATED AREA MIGRATION AGREEMENTS (DAMAS)?

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are formal arrangements between the Australian Government and designated area representatives (DARs), such as state or territory governments or regional bodies. These agreements aim to address specific labour shortages within defined regional areas by allowing employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled by the local labour market.

KEY FEATURES OF DAMAS:

1. Customized Occupation Lists: DAMAs provide access to a broader range of occupations than standard skilled migration programs, including positions not typically available under existing visa categories.
2. Concessions to Standard Visa Requirements: Depending on the specific needs of the designated area, DAMAs may offer concessions on standard visa requirements, such as English language proficiency, salary thresholds, and age limits.
3. Labor Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents before accessing overseas workers through a DAMA.
4. Ceilings on Overseas Worker Numbers: Each DAMA includes annual limits on the number of overseas workers that can be sponsored, ensuring that the employment of foreign labor complements rather than displaces the local workforce.
5. Support for Migrant Workers: Designated areas are required to provide support services to migrant workers to assist with their integration into the community and workplace.

Existing DAMAs

Currently, several DAMAs are in effect across different regions in Australia. These agreements are tailored to the unique economic and labor needs of each region. Some of the established DAMAs include:

• • Northern Territory DAMA – Focuses on a range of skilled and semi-skilled occupations to support the region’s workforce demands.
  • Far North Queensland DAMA – Covers industries such as tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.
  • South Australia DAMA – Includes two streams targeting metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.
  • Victoria’s Great South Coast DAMA – Addresses workforce shortages in agriculture, hospitality, and other regional industries.
  • New South Wales DAMA (Orana and South Coast) – Supports economic growth in key rural and regional areas.

• Western Australia DAMA – Targets skills shortages in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction.

Each of these DAMAs includes a tailored list of occupations, salary concessions, and other benefits designed to help businesses attract and retain international talent.

PROCESS FOR EMPLOYERS

Employers interested in sponsoring workers under a DAMA must first seek endorsement from the relevant DAR. Once endorsed, they can enter into a labour agreement with the Australian Government. This agreement permits the employer to nominate and sponsor overseas workers for specified occupations under the terms outlined in the DAMA.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS WORKERS

Individuals cannot directly apply for a visa under a DAMA. Instead, they must be sponsored by an employer who is a party to a labour agreement under the DAMA framework. This pathway provides opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers to live and work in Australia in regions experiencing labour shortages.

DAMAs play a crucial role in supporting regional Australia’s economic growth by addressing specific labour market needs. They offer a flexible and tailored approach to skilled migration, benefiting employers and overseas workers alike.

If your organization is facing labour shortages and is interested in exploring the opportunities provided by DAMAs, or if you are a skilled worker seeking employment in Australia, we encourage you to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of the DAMA process and to provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.