A DAMA is a region-specific migration agreement that helps address labour shortages by allowing access to a wider list of occupations and tailored concessions.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a customised migration framework created to help regional areas of Australia address critical skill and labour shortages. It allows employers in designated regions to access a wider range of skilled and semi-skilled occupations, along with tailored concessions that are not available under standard skilled migration programs.
DAMA arrangements support regional growth by connecting employers with the workers they cannot find locally.
What Is a DAMA?
A DAMA operates under a two-tier structure:
Head Agreement
A five-year agreement between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR), such as a State/Territory government or regional authority. The Head Agreement outlines:
- • Eligible occupations
- • Concessions
- • Regional labour priorities
- • Endorsement requirements
Labour Agreements
Individual agreements between endorsed employers and the Australian Government. Once endorsed by the DAR, employers can negotiate a Labour Agreement under the DAMA to sponsor overseas workers.
- • Identifying the reasons for refusal
- • Preparing additional evidence
- • Drafting persuasive submissions
- • Representing you in AAT hearings
- • Offering alternative pathways if AAT review is not suitable
Key Features of a DAMA
- • Provides flexible options for employers to address regional labour shortages
- • Covers defined regional areas with tailored occupation lists
- • Allows nomination of skilled and semi-skilled worker
- • Offers concessions on salary, skills, English, and age limits
- • Ensures recruitment of Australians is prioritised
- • Supports multiple visa pathways, including:
- • Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa
- • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
- • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa
How DAMAs Work
Agreement Establishment
The DAR negotiates a Head Agreement with the Australian Government, specifying regional occupation lists and concessions.
Employer Endorsement
Businesses seeking to sponsor overseas workers must first be endorsed by the DAR for their DAMA region.
Labour Agreement Application
Once endorsed, employers submit a Labour Agreement request through ImmiAccount, providing evidence of shortages, financial viability, and compliance.
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Employer Requirements Under a DAMA
To participate, employers must:
- • Show genuine efforts to hire Australian citizens or permanent residents
- • Demonstrate a regional labour shortage
- • Meet the terms of the DAMA and Head Agreement
- • Obtain endorsement from the DAR
- • Provide evidence of financial capacity and good workplace practices
Benefits of a DAMA
- • Access to a broader range of occupations, including semi-skilled roles
- • Visa concessions on English, salary, skills assessments, and age
- • Regional pathways that address local skills shortages
- • Tailored migration solutions aligned with local economic needs
Popular Migration Services
DAMA – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
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2. Who can apply under a DAMA?Employers operating in a DAMA-designated region and skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers nominated by approved employers.
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3. What visas fall under a DAMA?Common visas under a DAMA include:
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID)
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme -
4. How can employers participate in a DAMA?Employers must obtain DAR endorsement, then lodge a Labour Agreement request through ImmiAccount.
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5. What are the benefits of a DAMA?DAMA provides:
- Access to wider occupations
- Skills and English concessions
- Salary and age concessions
- Regional-specific migration pathways