DAMA Visas

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a tailored immigration pathway designed to address specific labour shortages in designated areas across Australia. It allows employers in these regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. DAMA provides flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market needs.

Key Features of DAMA:

  1. Labour Agreements: DAMA operates under a labour agreement framework, providing access to more occupations and offering concessions to standard visa requirements.
  2. Regional Focus: This agreement is region-specific, targeting areas that experience distinct labour shortages and require customised solutions.
  3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: DAMA agreements can provide a pathway to permanent residency for visa holders, ensuring long-term workforce stability in the region.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Employers: Must be located in a designated area and have a demonstrated need for skilled or semi-skilled workers that cannot be met locally.
  • Occupations: A wide range of occupations are covered under DAMA, including those not available under standard migration programs.
  • Concessions: May include age, skills, and English language requirements to better align with regional labour market conditions.

Process for Employers:

  1. Assess Labour Needs: Identify the specific labour shortages in your business that cannot be met by the local workforce.
  2. Apply for a DAMA Labour Agreement: Submit an application outlining your needs and demonstrating your business's eligibility.
  3. Nominate Workers: Once the labour agreement is in place, nominate skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers for the positions you need to fill.
  4. Visa Application: Nominated workers apply for the relevant visa subclass, with the support and sponsorship of the employer.

DAMA Visa Pathways:

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482):
    Allows employers to address immediate labour shortages with temporary skilled workers. Under DAMA, concessions may be available to streamline the visa application process.
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186):
    Enables employers to sponsor overseas workers for permanent residency. DAMA provides a pathway for transitioning from a temporary to a permanent visa, ensuring long-term employment.
  3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494):
    This provisional visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. DAMA agreements may offer concessions to make it easier for employers to fill regional roles.

Benefits of DAMA:

  1. Addressing Skill Shortages: DAMA helps regions attract the necessary talent to fill critical skill gaps, supporting local businesses and economic growth.
  2. Supporting Regional Development: By targeting specific regional needs, DAMA contributes to the development and sustainability of regional communities.
  3. Enhanced Flexibility: The program provides flexibility in terms of visa requirements and concessions, making it easier for employers to recruit and retain overseas workers.

Current DAMA Agreements:

DAMA agreements are in place across several regions in Australia, including but not limited to:

For a full list of current DAMA agreements and eligible regions, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) (homeaffairs.gov.au)

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