Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) helps employers address local skill shortages by accessing skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers across a broader range of occupations than standard skilled migration programs.

Each agreement is negotiated between the Australian Government and a state, territory or regional authority. Depending on the agreement and occupation, concessions may be available for certain visa requirements.


DAMA Regions and Official Links

  1. Adelaide      City, SA: Skilled      & Business Migration
  2. East   Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley      Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  3. Far      North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of      Commerce
  4. Goulburn      Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley DAMA
  5. Great      South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool      City Council
  6. Northern      Territory: Northern      Territory Government
  7. Orana,      NSW: Regional      Development Australia – Orana
  8. Pilbara,      WA: RDA Pilbara
  9. South      Australia Regional, SA: Skilled      & Business Migration
  10. South      West, WA: Shire      of Dardanup
  11. Goldfields,      WA: City      of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
  12. Townsville,      QLD: Townsville      Enterprise
  13. Western      Australia: Migration      WA

Get in Touch

Employer Eligibility Requirements

We assist regional employers in understanding whether a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) may provide a suitable pathway to address workforce shortages. Our services include reviewing the business’s location, recruitment needs, and proposed occupations against the requirements of the relevant agreement. We help employers understand the endorsement process, available concessions, and the responsibilities associated with employing overseas workers. With advice tailored to your business, we provide clear guidance on the steps and supporting documents required to progress an application.

Labour Agreements

We guide employers through the stages involved in accessing a DAMA, including seeking endorsement from the relevant designated area representative, applying for a labour agreement, and preparing nomination applications. Our services include reviewing supporting evidence, assisting with documentation, and addressing requests for further information. We help businesses understand applicable recruitment, salary, and employment requirements, together with any concessions available under their agreement. Throughout the process, we focus on preparing clear, well-supported applications that reflect the employer’s workforce needs.

Visa Applications

We assist overseas workers and their families with visa applications connected to an employer’s DAMA arrangements. Our lawyers review the applicant’s circumstances, explain relevant occupation, skills, work experience, English language, and other requirements, and assess whether available concessions may apply. We also advise on potential pathways to permanent residence where these are provided under the relevant agreement and visa requirements. From preparing an application to advising on visa conditions and future options, we provide practical support to employers and workers throughout the process.