What is DAMA?

Thank you for joining Interstaff’s Regional Visa Q&A Video Series. In our series of bite-sized videos, we aim to share our migration insights on questions submitted by HR Professionals and Business Owners about Australia’s  regional migration arrangements.

Q&A Video | What is a DAMA?

DAMA’s refer to Designated Area Migration Agreements. Under a DAMA, employers can make use of concessions (exemptions) that are specific to a region and sponsor overseas workers for different skills compared to standard visa programs. They provide an alternative option for employers in regional Australia – which is now classified as ‘any area outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane’. Here’s what you need to know – watch our 4 minute explainer video for our insights.

Head to our timestamps for specific migration insights

• What is a DAMA? | 0.05
• Which Australian regions have a DAMA in place? | 0.51
• How do DAMA’s work and how do I make use of one? | 1.03
• What are the benefits of a DAMA? | 1.33
• When should a business consider using a DAMA? | 2.52

More about DAMA’s

DAMA’s have become more widely available across regional areas of Australia since the Government began focusing on promoting regional migration from 2019. These arrangements provide businesses greater access to visa sponsorship for the particular skills needed in regional areas. The above video shows which Australian regions have a DAMA in place.

What is a DAMA?

A DAMA is an agreement negotiated between the Department of Home Affairs for the Commonwealth and a regional state or territory authority, such as a local council, to cover a specific regional area. It is usually available for a period of five years.

It allows regional employers to sponsor employees in different occupations than the skills available under Standard Business Sponsorship for the 482 TSS Visa or the 494 Regional Visa. This includes semi-skilled occupations or skills not classified under ANZSCO.

DAMA’s often also provide concessions or exemptions – for example on an applicant’s level of English or on the minimum salary level required for an occupation.

Is a DAMA suitable for my business?

It is worth considering a labour agreement under a Designated Area Migration Agreement if your business operates in an eligible regional area and especially if the skills needed are not available under the standard visa programs.

While it provides an alternative sponsorship option for employers, the process of requesting a labour agreement is time consuming and often complex. Requesting a labour agreement usually requires a compelling business case including evidence of a labour market shortage for the skills you require.