Understanding Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Understanding Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) are formal arrangements between the Australian Government and regional authorities, meticulously designed to address specific labour shortages in designated areas. These agreements provide a crucial, flexible pathway for skilled migration by offering access to a wider range of overseas workers than is available through standard visa programs.
Key features of a DAMA include:
Expanded Occupation Lists: Each DAMA has a unique list of occupations that reflects the specific needs of its region, including roles that may not be on the standard skilled visa occupation lists.
Tailored Concessions: To attract necessary talent, DAMAs can offer concessions on standard visa requirements. This often includes reduced work experience thresholds and more accessible English language benchmarks.
For both skilled workers and regional employers, DAMAs create vital opportunities for sponsorship that might not otherwise exist, ensuring local businesses can fill critical skill gaps.
Active DAMA Regions
The following DAMA agreements are currently in place across Australia. It is important to note that each region has a distinct occupation list and its own set of eligibility requirements.
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Administered by Skilled & Business Migration
East Kimberley, WA: Administered by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Far North Queensland, QLD: Administered by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce
Goulburn Valley, VIC: Administered by Goulburn Valley
Great South Coast, VIC: Administered by Warrnambool City Council
Northern Territory, NT: Administered by the NT Government
Orana, NSW: Administered by Regional Development Australia - Orana, NSW
Pilbara, WA: Administered by RDA Pilbara
South Australia Regional, SA: Administered by Skilled & Business Migration
South West, WA: Administered by the Shire of Dardanup
The Goldfields, WA: Administered by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Townsville, QLD: Administered by Townsville Enterprise Limited
The DAMA Application Process and Occupation Examples
The flexibility of the DAMA program allows for the inclusion of occupations vital to regional industries that are not typically available for sponsorship. A prominent example is the inclusion of various plant operator roles.
Case Study: Mobile Plant Operator (ANZSCO 721999)
This occupation, along with related roles such as Loader Operator (721216), Excavator Operator (721214), and Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211), features on several DAMA lists. Under certain DAMAs, a candidate may be eligible for a Subclass 482 visa with as little as one year of full-time experience. Furthermore, some agreements provide a pathway to permanent residency after a specified period of employment (e.g., two or three years).
If you possess experience in these or other DAMA-listed occupations, you may be eligible for employer sponsorship. The general process is as follows:
Secure a Sponsoring Employer: The foundational step is to find an employer located within a DAMA region who is willing to sponsor you.
DAMA Endorsement: The employer must first apply to the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for an endorsement. This typically involves demonstrating efforts to hire Australian workers (i.e., labour market testing).
Labour Agreement: Once the endorsement is approved, the employer uses it to apply for a formal Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Nomination and Visa Lodgement: With an approved Labour Agreement in place, the employer can then lodge a nomination for the specific position, and the visa applicant can lodge their corresponding visa application.
Conclusion and Seeking Expert Advice
Ultimately, the DAMA program represents a significant opportunity for both skilled workers seeking new pathways to Australia and for regional employers striving to overcome critical skill shortages. Its flexibility in occupation lists and concessions makes it one of the most vital tools in supporting regional economic growth.
However, navigating the DAMA landscape requires careful planning and expertise. With each region having distinct requirements and a multi-stage application process involving the employer, the regional authority, and the Department of Home Affairs, the potential for error is high.
To ensure a smooth and successful outcome, seeking professional guidance is strongly recommended. A Registered Migration Agent can provide expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances, assess your eligibility against different DAMA agreements, and guide you and your potential sponsor through every step of the complex application process.
