Australia’s Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a critical component of the nation’s immigration strategy, specifically tailored to address labor shortages in regional areas.
These agreements, negotiated between the Australian government and specific regions, allow employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they can’t fill locally.
Recent DAMA updates and expansions to DAMAs signal a renewed focus on leveraging migration to boost regional development and economic prosperity.
Key Features of Updated DAMAs
- Tailored Occupation Lists: The occupations included in a DAMA are tailored to the specific labor needs of the region. For example, the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA includes occupations in defense, space, and advanced manufacturing and technology.
- Concessions on Requirements: In certain occupations, DAMAs may offer concessions on English language requirements, age limits, and skills assessments.
- Pathways to Permanent Residency: DAMA updates are increasingly offering pathways for DAMA visa holders to obtain permanent residency in Australia after a defined period of work in the region. This is a key incentive for those who seek long-term opportunities and integration into Australia.
- Employer-Driven Process: The process is primarily driven by employers who need skilled labour. The endorsement process ensures that positions cannot be filled locally.
- Local Community Engagement: Many DAMAs actively engage with local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the program’s positive impact.
Two-Tiered Framework
A DAMA operates as a two-tier system. This framework covers a defined regional area.
The first tier is a five-year “head agreement”. This is between the Australian Government and the region’s representative.
The second tier involves individual labor agreements. These are established with employers under the head agreement.
DAMA Head Agreements
DAMA head agreements are established between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR). DARs are often state/territory governments or regional bodies. Examples include:
- Chambers of Commerce
- Regional Development Australia offices
- Shire Councils.
These agreements specify:
- A range of eligible occupations.
- Agreed-upon terms and concessions to standard skilled visa criteria.
Terms are negotiated between the government and the DAR. Once a head agreement is in place, businesses can seek individual labor agreements. They must work within the established terms and concessions.
Individual DAMA Labour Agreements: Employer-Specific
Individual DAMA labor agreements are between the Australian Government and endorsed businesses. These businesses must operate within the designated region.
Key features of these agreements include:
- Generally, they are in effect for five years.
- They utilise specific visa programs:
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID)
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
- Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS)
- Employers must first seek and gain endorsement from the DAR.
- The labour agreement request is lodged online via ImmiAccount.
- The online form in ImmiAccount outlines requirements and required documentation.
Sponsorship of Overseas Workers
If a DAMA labour agreement is approved:
- The business can nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
- Sponsorship is limited to occupations specified in the DAMA head agreement.
Priority for Australian Workers
DAMAs prioritize the recruitment of Australian citizens and permanent residents. Employers must demonstrate a genuine attempt to recruit Australians before accessing a DAMA labor agreement.
DAMAs that presently exist
Australia currently has 13 Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) in operation. For information on how to participate in each DAMA, including the specific regions, locations, or shires covered, please refer to the links below. These links will direct you to the respective Designated Area Representative (DAR) websites.
- South Australia Regional, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- The Goldfields, WA: City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
- Townsville, QLD: Townsville Enterprise Limited
- Goulburn Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley
- Pilbara, WA: RDA Pilbara
- Great South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool City Council
- Western Australia: Department of Training and Workforce Development
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- Far North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of Commerce
- Orana, NSW: Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
- East Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- South West, WA: Shire of Dardanup
- Northern Territory, NT: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
DARs actively engage with employers and stakeholders in their regions. They gather insights into specific labor needs and community opinions. They also perform annual reviews of DAMA terms and operations.
Moreover, they endorse requests from businesses seeking to access DAMA arrangements. Businesses must have this endorsement before applying for a DAMA labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
What is the Western Australia DAMA?
The Western Australia DAMA was established in July 2024 to address strong employer demand for workers in key sectors. It is administered by Migration Services, part of the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
WA utilizes Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) to address workforce shortages.
Currently, four regional DAMA exist, each tailored to specific local needs, granting businesses access to visa concessions that help attract skilled migrants. These DAMAs cover the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara, and South West regions.
Regional and WA DAMA occupation eligibility
Businesses located within a designated area should initially seek endorsement from their local DAMA representative to employ skilled migrants. However, if a needed occupation isn’t covered under the local DAMA, businesses can apply directly to Migration Services for endorsement under the broader WA DAMA.
This provides businesses with access to a wider range of occupations to meet their staffing requirements.
WA Designated Area Migration Agreement
The WA DAMA is the fifth DAMA established in the state, covering all of Western Australia. It complements the existing regional DAMAs, giving endorsed businesses access to concessions that facilitate attracting, sponsoring, and retaining skilled migrants.
Designated Areas and Occupation Availability
Access to the WA DAMA is based on location.
Category 2, covering the Perth Metropolitan area, includes postcodes 6000 to 6038, 6050 to 6083, 6090 to 6182, 6208 to 6211, 6214, and 6556 to 6558.
Category 3, covering Regional WA, includes all other postcodes in the state. Each DAMA has its own list of eligible occupations that are based on the unique needs of their respective areas.
Occupation Distribution and Endorsement
The allocation of positions under the WA DAMA is split evenly: 50% for the Perth Metropolitan area (Category 2), and 50% for Regional WA (Category 3).
Eligible businesses with a nominated occupation found on the WA DAMA Occupation list can apply directly to Migration Services for endorsement. There is currently no fee for this endorsement application.
Conclusion
Updated Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are a vital and evolving tool in Australia’s migration strategy. They offer a targeted, flexible approach to addressing regional labor shortages, contributing to economic growth and community development.
By providing alternative pathways to skilled migration, DAMAs are benefiting both regional employers and potential migrants.
Continued DAMA updates, flexibility, and transparency are key to maximizing the positive impact of DAMAs, ensuring they continue to play a crucial role in building a prosperous and diverse Australia.
They are not a standalone solution, but a crucial component of a comprehensive approach to regional economic development.
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