The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialized immigration program in Australia that allows regional employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill locally. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals, seeking employment opportunities in regional Australia.
What is DAMA?
DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities to allow employers in specific areas of Australia to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they can’t fill locally.
It is a work permit pathway under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
✅ Key Benefits of DAMA
✔️ Wider Occupation List
- Includes jobs not available under standard skilled migration lists—includes lower-skilled and semi-skilled roles.
✔️Visa Concessions
- Lower English language requirements
- Broader age limits
- Lower salary thresholds
- Pathways to PR (Permanent Residency)
✔️ Employer-Sponsored
- You don’t need to apply independently—your employer sponsors your visa under a DAMA agreement.
✔️ Pathway to PR
- Many DAMA roles offer transition pathways to permanent residency through subclass 186.
🧭 DAMA Visa Process – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Job Offer
- Find a job in a DAMA region.
- Your employer must be unable to fill the position locally.
Step 2: Regional Authority Endorsement
- The employer gets endorsed by the relevant DAMA authority in that region.
Step 3: Labor Agreement Application
- The employer applies for a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, citing the DAMA agreement.
Step 4: Nomination & Visa Application
- Once approved, the employer nominates you for a visa (e.g., subclass 482).
- You then apply for the visa.
🗺️ DAMA Regions (2025)
There are currently 12 DAMA regions in Australia:
- Northern Territory
- Far North Queensland
- Orana, New South Wales
- Goulburn Valley, Victoria
- Great South Coast, Victoria
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, South Australia
- South Australia Regional
- Pilbara, Western Australia
- South West, Western Australia
- The Goldfields, Western Australia
- East Kimberley, Western Australia
- Townsville, Queensland
- Western Australia
📄 Eligibility Criteria (General)
To qualify under DAMA, you typically need:
- A valid job offer in a DAMA region.
- Relevant skills and/or work experience for the occupation.
- Health and character checks.
- Meet language and salary requirements (concessions may apply).
🔄 Recent Update (2025)
- Northern Territory DAMA extended until 2030
- Annual quota increased from 625 to 1,500
- Occupation list expanded to 325 job roles
🛠️ Visa Types under DAMA
| Subclass 482 |
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa |
Initial entry – 2-4 years validity |
| Subclass 186 |
Employer Nomination Scheme |
Permanent Residency pathway |
| Subclass 494 |
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa |
Temporary to PR route (3-5 years) |
🌐 How to Apply?
- Check if your occupation is listed in a DAMA region.
- Find an employer in that region.
- Ensure they are eligible to sponsor you under the DAMA.
- Go through the endorsement and visa application process.
If you’re looking for help connecting with a DAMA sponsor, resume assistance, or education-to-work migration pathways, Contact RKIMT today!
