Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
A Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state, or territory authority.
It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program and provides flexibility for regions to address their unique economic and labour market conditions.
There are currently 12 DAMAs in effect in Australia. The following three DAMAs are active in South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland.
- South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (SA DAMA)
- East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement (EK DAMA)
- Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA)
Designated Area Migration Agreements – South Australia
The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Designated Area Migration Agreement is one of two DAMAs available in South Australia.
Covering metropolitan Adelaide, this agreement focuses on Adelaide’s high-tech growth industries including defence, space, technology, and advanced manufacturing industries. 
In order for an employer to take part in the Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Designated Migration Agreement, they must seek endorsement from the Designated Area Representative.
Once an employer has been endorsed, they can employ skilled migrants under the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 494).
Designated Area Migration Agreements – East Kimberley
The East Kimberley DAMA is accessible to all employers operating in the East Kimberley region and is not exclusive to East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) members.
Once an employer has been approved by the Designated Area Representative, they may nominate an individual overseas worker. Overseas workers may then be granted a temporary or provisional five-year visa.
Overseas workers may be sponsored under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494), or the Employer Nominations Scheme (Subclass 186).
After three or four years, individual overseas workers may have access to a permanent visa under the East Kimberley DAMA.
Designated Area Migration Agreements – Far North Queensland
The Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement is available to employers operating in Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Cook, and Cassowary Coast local government areas.
In order for employers to access the Far North Queensland DAMA, they must be endorsed by the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
Once endorsed, employers may employ overseas workers under a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Elements of the Far North Queensland DAMA include:
- The ability to have occupations added or removed as local demands change
- Encompasses semi-skilled and skilled occupations
- The facility to design unique local occupations not found in ANZSCO
- Clearly defined permanent visa pathways for all occupations in skill levels 1 – 5
- Age concessions depending on occupation
- Concessions to many skills, qualifications, and experience requirements compared to those in the standard skilled migration pathways
- English language concession for many occupations
- More lenient Labour Market Testing requirements
- Priority processing times
To learn more about Designated Area Migration Agreements or if you would like assistance sponsoring employees under a DAMA, contact the Visa Solutions team on 1800 828 008 or send us an email.
There are several reasons why professional help may be needed in understanding Australia’s Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs):
- Complexity: The rules and requirements for DAMAs can be complex and difficult to understand without professional assistance. A professional can provide clarity and help you navigate the complexities of the program.
- Expertise: Professional immigration agents have extensive knowledge and experience with DAMAs. They can provide you with up-to-date information and advice on the program, increasing your chances of success.
- Regional differences: DAMAs are specific to certain regions of Australia, and the requirements and processes can vary depending on the region.A professional can help you understand the specific requirements for your desired region and ensure that your application meets the necessary criteria.
- Changes: The rules and requirements for DAMAs can change frequently. A professional can keep you informed of any changes and updates to the program and help you adjust your application accordingly.
- Tailored advice: Professional immigration agents can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, ensuring that your DAMA application is optimized for your unique needs.
In conclusion, seeking professional help in understanding Australia’s Designated Area Migration Agreements can provide you with the expertise, clarity, and support you need to navigate the program successfully.
