What is the DAMA Program?
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are special agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities called Designated Area Representatives (DARs) to assist Australian Employers in overcoming labor shortages. These agreements allow Employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled overseas Candidates under flexible Visa conditions.
DAMA offers key benefits to Employers and Candidates, such as:
- Access to overseas skilled Candidates in critical industries
- Concessions on Visa requirements such as English language levels, salary thresholds, and age limits
- A pathway to Permanent Residency for eligible Candidates
- Support for Employers struggling to find suitable local talent
Who is Eligible for the DAMA Program?
For Employers:
Employers located in designated regions that:
- Cannot fill roles locally despite reasonable efforts
- Operate within an industry covered by the DAMA framework
- Are endorsed by a DAR For Skilled Candidates:
Job seekers who:
- Secure a job offer from an approved Employer under DAMA
- Meet the relevant skills and experience requirements
- Fulfill health and character checks
- Can apply for a Temporary Skilled Visa or a Permanent Visa Pathway
Regions Covered by DAMA
DAMA agreements exist in specific regions across Australia. These include:
| Regions | Regions | Regions |
| Northern Territory DAMA | Far North Queensland (FNQ) DAMA | Orana Region DAMA (New South Wales) |
| Goulburn Valley DAMA (Victoria) | South Australia Regional Workforce DAMA | Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA |
| Goldfields DAMA (Western Australia) | Kimberley DAMA (Western Australia) | Pilbara DAMA (Western Australia) |
| South West DAMA (Western Australia) | Townsville DAMA (Queensland) | Great South Coast DAMA (Victoria) |
| East Kimberley DAMA (Western Australia) |
(make this table a clickable map of Australia graphic that highlights the coverage of each DAMA region – examples of these maps can be searched and found online)
Industries and Occupations Covered Under DAMA
DAMAs support a wide range of industries critical to regional Australia, including:
- Agriculture – Farm Workers and Livestock Managers
- Healthcare & Aged Care – Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
- Hospitality & Tourism – Chefs, Cooks and Hotel Managers
- Construction & Infrastructure – Carpenters, Electricians and Plumbers
- Mining & Resources – Mining Engineers, Geologists and Machinery Operators
- Manufacturing – Welders, Fabricators and Process Workers
- Technology & Innovation – Software Developers and Cybersecurity Specialists
- Transport & Logistics – Truck Drivers and Logistics Managers
- Education – Teachers and Childcare Workers
- Retail & Sales – Store Managers and Sales Assistants
Further information about Industries and Occupations supported by the DAMAs can be found at these links:
(Make this table a graphic or buttons that link to the Occupation Lists of the respective DAMA regions.)
Visa Types Used Under DAMA
The DAMA framework allows Employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled overseas Candidates for Australian work Visas with concessions in areas such as skills, experience, age, and English language requirements.
DAMA primarily operates under two Visa categories:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
The TSS Visa is the main Visa used under DAMA for temporary Employer-sponsored work. Key Features of the TSS Visa under DAMA:
- Employer-Sponsored – Candidates must have a DAMA-approved Employer sponsor in a designated regional area.
- Concessions Available – Some DAMA agreements offer lower English language requirements, age exemptions, and skills assessment flexibility.
- DAMA Occupation List – DAMA agreements include job roles not on the standard Skilled Occupation Lists typically not covered by other Australian Visa programs.
- Duration – Typically up to 4 years, depending on the DAMA
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Many DAMA occupations allow transition to Permanent Residency via Visa pathways.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494
Some DAMA regions allow Employers to sponsor Candidates under this Visa, which is a temporary regional Employer-sponsored Visa with a direct Permanent Residancy pathway.
Key Features of the 494 Visa under DAMA:
- Employer-Sponsored – Candidates must be nominated by an approved regional
- Concessions Available – Some DAMAs provide waivers on English, age, and experience
- Validity – 5-year Visa with a clear pathway to Permanent Residency after 3 years of regional work.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Leads to Permanent Residency through the Subclass 191 Visa after meeting work and Residency conditions.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 (Permanent Residency)
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa is often used for DAMA workers transitioning to Permanent Residency after fulfilling sponsorship requirements.
Key Features of the ENS 186 Visa under DAMA:
- Pathway from TSS 482 Visa – Many DAMA occupations allow sponsored workers to transition to Permanent Residency after 2-4 years with an Employer.
- No Regional Work Requirement – Unlike the 494 Visa, Candidates do not need to stay in regional areas after Permanent Residency is granted.
- DAMA Concessions – Some DAMAs offer age exemptions and other eligibility relaxations for 186 Visa applicants.
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191
The Subclass 191 Visa is used for Candidates who were sponsored under the 494 Visa and have completed 3 years in regional employment.
Key Features of the 191 Visa under DAMA:
- Permanent Residency pathway for DAMA workers on a 494
- Requires 3 years of continuous regional
- No Employer sponsorship needed for Permanent Residency
Summary of Visa Options and Pathways Under DAMA
This would look great as some sort of pathway graphic
| Visa Type | Purpose | Pathway to Permanent Residency? | Key Features Under DAMA |
| TSS 482 | Temporary Employer-sponsored work | Yes (via 186 or 494) | DAMA concessions, up to 4 years |
| SESR 494 | Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional | Yes (via 191) | 5-year Visa, Permanent Residency after 3 years |
| ENS 186 | Employer-sponsored Permanent Residency | Yes | Direct Permanent Residency for eligible Candidates |
| PR 191 | Permanent Residency after 494 Visa | Yes | No further Employer sponsorship required |
How Halim International Simplifies the DAMA Process for Employers & Candidates
- Ensuring Employer Eligibility for DAMA Sponsorship – Halim International assists Employers in securing DAMA endorsement, ensuring they meet labor market testing and business eligibility requirements to sponsor skilled workers.
- Providing DAMA-Approved Skilled Workers – Employers gain access to a pool of
pre-qualified Candidates with skills that match DAMA-approved occupations, reducing recruitment delays and hiring risks.
- Supporting Candidates in Meeting DAMA Work Requirements – Halim International helps Candidates complete required skills assessments, obtain necessary certifications, and ensure they meet job eligibility standards under DAMA.
- Managing Employer Labor Market Testing (LMT) Obligations – Assistance in fulfilling government-mandated advertising and reporting requirements, proving that Australian workers were not available before hiring under DAMA.
- Facilitating English Proficiency for Visa Approval – Tailored language training helps Candidates meet the English language requirements needed for DAMA visa processing and successful employment in Australia.
- Simplifying DAMA Visa Applications & Compliance – From sponsorship applications to visa nomination, Halim International manages the paperwork, reducing administrative burden and ensuring compliance with Australian immigration regulations for Employers and Candidates.
- Handling Employer & Candidate Documentation for Sponsorship – Preparation and submission of required documents, including employment contracts, financial viability proof, and visa sponsorship obligations, ensuring full compliance with DAMA
- Streamlining Skills Assessments for DAMA Occupations – Guidance through the skills recognition process, ensuring Candidates meet qualifications required for Employer sponsorship under DAMA.
- Providing Ongoing DAMA Compliance Support – Post-hire services help Employers meet ongoing visa compliance, reporting, and sponsorship obligations, avoiding legal risks and penalties.
- Assisting Candidates with DAMA Pathway to Permanent Residency – Providing visa transition planning and employer sponsorship support for Candidates seeking long-term settlement in Australia through DAMA pathways.
