The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialised employer-sponsored migration arrangement that helps businesses in regional Australia address ongoing workforce shortages. It enables approved employers in designated regions to recruit skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations that may not be readily available through standard skilled migration pathways.
Supports approved regional businesses facing genuine labour shortages.
Occupation lists, concessions and requirements may differ by regional DAMA.
Creates valuable employment opportunities and potential long-term pathways in Australia.
Each DAMA is developed to meet the specific labour needs of a region. As a result, occupation lists, eligibility requirements and available concessions may differ depending on the regional agreement.
A DAMA operates through a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority. Employers must first demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents before seeking access to overseas talent.
Once endorsed by the relevant regional authority, eligible employers can enter into a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. After the agreement is in place, employers can nominate suitably qualified overseas workers under the relevant employer-sponsored visa program.
DAMA is designed to help businesses experiencing genuine labour shortages continue to grow while maintaining fair employment standards and supporting regional development.
Supports employers located in approved regional areas of Australia.
Provides access to a broader range of occupations based on regional workforce needs.
Allows businesses to address long-term labour shortages where local recruitment has been unsuccessful.
May include negotiated concessions on age, English language, salary or work experience, depending on the specific regional agreement.
Encourages regional economic growth by helping businesses attract and retain skilled workers.
Offers a structured pathway for employers to build a stable and sustainable workforce.
The DAMA program gives regional businesses greater flexibility when recruiting skilled overseas workers for positions that are difficult to fill locally.
For eligible overseas workers, a DAMA provides an opportunity to secure employment with approved regional employers while building a long-term career in Australia.
Australia currently has multiple active DAMA regions, each developed to address local workforce needs. Every region maintains its own occupation list and concession framework.
Because each DAMA operates under its own regional agreement, understanding the applicable occupation list, eligibility criteria and employer obligations is an important part of the process.
Occupation lists vary between DAMA regions and are based on local labour market demands. As occupation lists are reviewed periodically, employers and applicants should ensure they are referring to the most current regional DAMA requirements before proceeding with an application.
The DAMA program offers practical solutions for regional employers while creating meaningful employment opportunities for skilled overseas workers. By addressing local workforce shortages, it helps strengthen regional communities, supports business growth and contributes to Australia’s long-term economic development.
As registered migration agent, we have extensive experience assisting employers and skilled overseas workers with DAMA-related applications. Our team understands the complexities of regional labour agreements, employer sponsorship requirements and visa pathways, allowing us to provide clear, practical and reliable guidance throughout the process.
From assessing eligibility and preparing documentation to employer endorsements, labour agreements, nominations and visa applications, Tazman Migration offers end-to-end support tailored to your circumstances.