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.
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.
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.
Missed our last videos? Catch up here for bite-sized migration insights on Australia’s new Regional 494 Visa and other regional migration arrangements.
5 Minute Explainer Video >> How does the Regional 494 Visa compare to the TSS 482 Visa?
3 Minute Explainer Video >> How the 494 Regional Visa provides a pathway to Permanent Residence
4 Minute Explainer Video >> What does the process of applying for a Regional 494 Visa involve?
Sheila Woods is the Managing Director of Interstaff and a Registered Migration Agent with more than 15 years experience in the migration industry.
With an extensive understanding of the Australian immigration system, Sheila partners with employers to advise on global mobility matters for corporate migration projects, complex case work and labour agreement negotiations.
Interstaff is an established migration consultancy specialising in skilled migration matters for the resource industry and businesses and has been operating for over 30 years since 1988. MARN: 0533879.
If you have any further questions, or if you would like an assessment of your visa or sponsorship options, we encourage you to get in touch with our Registered Migration Agents on 1800 449 858 or [email protected]
Please note, this series is intended to provide general information only – current at the time of first publication. The contents do not constitute migration advice. Migration advice should be sought for your particular matters so that your personal circumstances can be considered. In Australia, Registered Migration Agents must operate under the Code of Conduct.
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