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Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state, or territory authority. DAMAs are typically in effect for five years and utilize the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) and Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa programs. 

What This Visa Lets You Do?

DAMA visas offer a unique opportunity, particularly for applicants who may be too old to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through standard visa pathways. Compared to the standard skilled migration program, DAMA provides access to a broader pool of overseas workers. It operates under an agreement-based framework, allowing regions to adapt to their specific economic and labor market conditions. 

DAMA follows a two-tier framework covering a designated regional area. The first tier involves an overarching five-year agreement (head agreement) with the region’s representative. The second tier includes individual labor agreements with employers within the framework of the head agreement for that region. 

Requirements

  • Employers must seek and obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative before submitting a labor agreement request. 
  • Employers in designated areas facing skills and labor shortages can sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers. 
  • DAMAs prioritize the recruitment of Australian citizens and permanent residents by employers. 
  • Employers must demonstrate a sincere effort to hire Australians before accessing a DAMA. 

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals do not have direct access to DAMA. They must be sponsored by an employer operating in a designated region for an occupation specified in the head agreement. 

Checklist

When applying for a DAMA, ensure you have: 

  • A sponsoring employer in a designated regional area. 
  • An occupation specified in the head agreement. 

Processing Time

The processing time for DAMA visas may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with experts for up-to-date processing times. 

Frequently Asked Questions

DAMA may offer a pathway to Permanent Residency in the future. 

Yes, DAMA allows the sponsorship of additional jobs. 

Applicants can apply for this visa in designated regional areas. 

This visa typically has lower entry requirements, such as lower English language proficiency, lower salary offers, and potential age concessions. 

Visa Subclass

Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa (subclass 400)

The Highly Specialised Work stream of this temporary visa lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. It is suitable if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority.

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