Where Are All the DAMA Regions in Australia in 2024?
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) are formal agreements between the Australian Government and regional, state, or territory authorities to address specific labour shortages in certain areas. These agreements provide access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. It is offering pathways for skilled overseas workers to obtain visas and potentially permanent residency. There are several updated DAMA regions in Australia in 2024. Let’s explore where these regions are and what they offer.
DAMA Regions in Australia
Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, South Australia (SA)
This DAMA focuses on skilled and business migration aiming to attract talent in technology and innovation sectors.
East Kimberley, Western Australia (WA)
Managed by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this DAMA targets various industries to address labour shortages in the region.
Far North Queensland, Queensland (QLD)
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce oversees this DAMA, which aims to fill labor gaps in the Far North Queensland region.
Goulburn Valley, Victoria (VIC)
This DAMA is designed to support the Goulburn Valley region by attracting skilled workers to meet local labour demands.
Great South Coast, Victoria (VIC)
Managed by the Warrnambool City Council, this DAMA focuses on addressing labour shortages in the Great South Coast region.
Orana, New South Wales (NSW)
This DAMA targets specific industries. Agriculture, education, hospitality are among others that DAMA in the Orana region try to fill in its labour gaps and support local businesses.
Pilbara, Western Australia (WA):
The Regional Development Australia Pilbara manages this DAMA, which aims to attract skilled workers to the resource-rich Pilbara region.
South Australia Regional, South Australia (SA)
This DAMA covers various regions in South Australia, focusing on addressing labor shortages in different sectors. Agriculture and Horticulture, forestry, and or Wine and Food Processing are some of the sectors that the region needs more workers.
South West, Western Australia (WA)
Managed by the Shire of Dardanup, this DAMA aims to attract skilled workers to the South West region
Townsville, Queensland (QLD)
The Townsville DAMA focuses on filling labour gaps in the Townsville region, managed by the Townsville Chamber of Commerce.
Northern Territory (NT)
This DAMA covers the entire Northern Territory, addressing labour shortages across various industries. .
The Goldfields, Western Australia (WA)
Managed by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this DAMA targets specific industries in the Goldfields region.
Benefits of DAMA Regions
DAMA regions offer several benefits to both employers and skilled migrants. For employers, DAMAs provide access to a larger pool of skilled workers helping to address labour shortages and support local businesses. For skilled migrants, DAMAs offer pathways to obtain visas and potentially permanent residency, providing opportunities to work and live in Australia.
How to Apply for a DAMA Visa
To apply for a DAMA visa, employers must first obtain endorsement from the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR). Once endorsed, employers can then seek to enter into an individual DAMA labour. agreement with the Australian Government. Skilled migrants can apply for visas under the DAMA program through the subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional), and subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa programs. Read more here: Explaining the DAMA Process
Conclusion
DAMA regions in Australia provide valuable opportunities for both employers and skilled migrants. By addressing specific labour shortages, these agreements help to support local businesses and provide pathways for skilled workers to live and work in Australia. If you are a skilled migrant looking to work in Australia, contact our migration experts today to explore the DAMA regions and understand the eligibility and application process.
