Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) enable employers to sponsor more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration programmes. The labour agreement takes place between the Australian Government and authorities representing a region, state, or territory.
DAMA Labour Agreements
A DAMA agreement takes place at 2 levels
Head Agreements
Agreements between the government and a representative of the designated area. This agreement contains the different occupations and visa eligibility requirements applicable to that designated area.
Individual Agreements
The second agreement happens on the individual level between the government and employers working in that area. These agreements are generally for 5 years.
Hiring Under DAMA Labour Agreements
Get Endorsement
Before submitting their labour agreement request, the employer must get an endorsement from the Designated Area Representative.
Agreement Approval
Once approved, the business can nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
Sponsor Workers
Use one of the following visa subclasses: TSS (482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494), or ENS (186).
Important: Employers are required to show that they first made a genuine attempt to hire Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Available Visa Subclasses for DAMA
Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS)
For temporary skilled workers
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
For regional sponsored workers
Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS)
For permanent residency
Active DAMA Labour Agreements
The Australian Government has entered into 12 DAMA labour agreements
The occupation lists contain all available occupations, along with the required skill level, English language requirements, concessions, etc.
Available Concessions
The concessions available may include:
- Wages (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)-related concessions)
- The age of the nominee
- The language skills of the nominee
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees and charges related to DAMA agreements?
The fees and charges vary from agreement to agreement. For example, RDA Pilbara charges a DAMA Processing Fee of $350.00 + GST. The Northern Territory agreement has no fees for the labor agreement and varying fees for the nomination application, worker visa application, and Skilling Australians Fund levy.
Does the nominated person have to show proof of their English language skills?
Whether you'll get an English language concession will depend on the occupation. The occupation list and relevant website may provide this information.
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