The Northern Territory Government has unveiled the updated occupation list under the newly established Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III), effective from 19 March 2025 to 30 June 2030. This revised agreement aims to address critical skill shortages in the region by expanding the number of eligible occupations and increasing the annual nomination quota for skilled migrants.

Key Highlights of NT DAMA III:

• Expanded Occupation List: The number of eligible occupations has significantly increased from 135 to 325, encompassing a diverse range of industries including healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture and logistics.
• Increased Nomination Quota: The annual nomination ceiling has risen from 625 to 1,500, allowing more skilled migrants to contribute to the NT’s workforce each year.
• Streamlined Application Process: The updated agreement introduces a more efficient application process for NT employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers, facilitating quicker responses to labour market needs.

Popular Occupations on the Updated List:

The expanded list includes a variety of occupations critical to the NT’s economic growth. Some of the most notable additions include:

Healthcare Sector:

• Aged or Disabled Carer
• Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
• Nursing Support Worker

Construction Industry:

• Carpenter
• Electrician (General)
• Plumber (General)

Hospitality and Tourism:

• Chef
• Hotel or Motel Manager
• Tour Guide

Agriculture:

• Beef Cattle Farmer
• Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
• Aquaculture Farmer

Logistics and Transport:

• Truck Driver (General)
• Bus Driver
• Deck Hand

These occupations have been identified based on the NT’s current and projected labour market demands, ensuring the region can attract and retain the necessary talent to support its economic development.

Concessions and Pathways to Permanent Residency:

NT DAMA III offers various concessions to support skilled migration, including:

• Reduced English language requirements for certain roles
• Age concessions for select occupations
• Lower salary thresholds for some positions to reflect regional conditions

In addition, the agreement provides clear pathways to permanent residency for eligible migrants, encouraging long-term settlement and contribution to the NT community.

Implementation and Application Process:

The online application portal for new endorsements under NT DAMA III is now open. Employers experiencing skill shortages are encouraged to review the updated occupation list and consider using the DAMA framework to meet their workforce needs.

The introduction of NT DAMA III marks a significant step towards strengthening the Northern Territory’s labour market by attracting skilled migrants across a broader spectrum of professions, ultimately supporting regional growth and development.