Boosting Critical Workforce Demands Across Western Australia
The Western Australian Government has introduced a state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) to address critical workforce shortages. This innovative programme offers greater flexibility for both regional and metropolitan employers to engage migrant workers in occupations not typically available through standard skilled migration programmes.
"*" indicates required fields
Key Industries Benefiting from the WA DAMA
The newly launched Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) is set to revolutionise the state’s approach to addressing critical workforce shortages. This innovative program targets key industries that form the backbone of Western Australia’s economy, providing them with greater flexibility to engage skilled migrant workers. Primary sectors that stand to gain significantly from this initiative include:
- Building and Construction
- Health and Aged Care
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Agriculture
Understanding the WA DAMA
What is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) represents a strategic partnership between the Australian Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs and regional authorities. These tailored agreements are designed to address the specific labour market needs of particular areas, taking into account their unique economic landscapes. The WA DAMA, in particular, is crafted to meet the diverse workforce requirements across Western Australia, offering pathways through the following visa subclasses:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) (Permanent Residence) Visa
Unique Features of the WA DAMA
The WA DAMA stands out as a pioneering initiative in Australia’s skilled migration landscape. Its comprehensive approach to addressing labour shortages across the entire state sets it apart from other regional agreements. Some of its distinguishing characteristics include:
- State-wide Coverage: Available to employers across both metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia.
- Substantial Placements: 5,000 annual placements for migrant workers over 5 years.
- Equal Distribution: 2,500 placements each for metropolitan and regional areas
Benefits For Employers
The WA DAMA offers a suite of advantages designed to empower employers in their quest to fill critical skill gaps and drive business growth. By providing access to a broader talent pool and offering flexibility in hiring requirements, this program stands to transform the way Western Australian businesses approach workforce planning and development. Key benefits for employers include:
- Expanded Occupation List: Access to 271 occupations in metropolitan areas and 310 in regional areas, including semi-skilled roles.
- Concessions on Standard Requirements: Potential flexibilities in work experience, age limits, and English language proficiency.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Opportunities for workers to transition to permanent residence after 2-3 years.
Key Concessions Under the WA DAMA
The WA DAMA introduces a range of concessions designed to streamline the process of engaging skilled migrant workers while ensuring that the program meets the diverse needs of Western Australian employers. These concessions represent a significant departure from standard visa requirements, offering greater flexibility and accessibility. Here’s an overview of the key concessions:
- Work Experience: Minimum 1 year for TSS 482 Visa, 2 years for Skilled Regional 494 Visa or Permanent Residence 186 Visa.
- Age Limit: Potential increase from 45 to 55 years for some applicants.
- English Language: Possible concessions based on skill level and occupation.
- Contract Duration: Minimum two-year contract required.
How to Engage Workers Under the WA DAMA
Navigating the process of engaging workers under the WA DAMA requires careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. This step-by-step guide will help employers understand the journey from assessing eligibility to successfully bringing skilled migrants into their workforce:
- Determine Eligibility: Assess your organisation’s eligibility and check if the position is on the Eligible WA DAMA Occupations List.
- Apply for WA DAMA Endorsement: Submit an application to Migration WA, the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for Western Australia.
- Negotiate a Labour Agreement: Upon endorsement approval, proceed to establish a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
Complementary Initiatives
The WA DAMA is part of a broader strategy to address workforce challenges in Western Australia. It operates in conjunction with other state programs, creating a comprehensive approach to skilled migration and labour market development. Understanding these complementary initiatives can help employers and skilled migrants maximise their opportunities:
- Expanded State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP): 5,000 placements for 2024/25, prioritising key industry sectors.
- Construction Visa Subsidy Programme: Grants up to $10,000 per skilled migrant to offset employer costs.
How Interstaff Can Help You Get A Visa to Australia
Our Registered Migration Agents servicing Perth, Melbourne and Sydney can:
- Assess your circumstances to advise if you are qualified to apply for a temporary partner visa (subclass 309) before applying for a permanent partner visa (subclass 100)
- Assist with Second Stage Partner Visa processing and evidence requirements for a 100 Visa
- Advise on a strategy for your offshore visa application as well as an onshore strategy for the sponsorship nomination application
- Assist with all requirements and queries you may have regarding your partner’s visa and sponsorship applications
- Help you remain compliant with your requirements and obligations as a visa applicant and sponsor by providing ongoing advice
Interstaff has assisted with visa application’s and sponsorship requirements for over 30 years since 1988. Interested in the WA DAMA? Contact us or phone 1800 449 858 to discuss circumstances and application requirements.
On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank the staff at Interstaff for working around the clock to achieve our goal of Permanent Residency. They are a great team of professionals and handled our case with very high standards. We greatly appreciate it – thank you!
MICHAEL & VIOLET, PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA
We applied for the Offshore Partner 309/100 Visa with the advice and representation from the team here and am happy to say, after a very long period apart from my partner due to Covid, our application recently got granted the 309 Visa with my partner looking to arrive shortly and our plan is to apply for the 100 visa mid/late next year. I highly recommend the team at Interstaff for any Partner Visa applications and I feel the fee is well worth the peace of mind you have given the high level of experience the team here offers and knowing you will be represented correctly/reliably based on the evidence you provide.
ALEX , PARTNER VISA
