What is a DAMA?

A DAMA is a type of Labour Agreement, which is a work agreement which enables approved employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers, and in response to identified market shortages.  These agreements are negotiated between the Department and Employers / Industrial Associations.

A DAMA is between a Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Australian Government. It provides access to additional occupations, and also provides concessions to standard migration programs under the:

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494)

Once a particular DAMA is in place, local businesses can apply for endorsement and enter into individual labour agreements under the conditions of that particular DAMA.

 

Active DAMAs

At present there are seven DAMA lists in place:

The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement DAMA (Metro) – There are 63 occupations available. Concessions are given for English, age, salary and Permanent Residency pathway.

The South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA (Regional) – There are 139 occupations available. Concessions are given for English, age, salary and Permanent Residency pathway.

The Orana region DAMA – There are 33 occupations available. Concessions are given for skills, experience, salary, English and Permanent Residency pathway.

The Victoria’s Great South Coast DAMA – There are 27 occupations available. Concessions are given for English, skills, experience, salary and Permanent Residency pathway for some occupations.

The Goldfields DAMA – There are 125 occupations available. Concessions are given for English, salary and Permanent Residency pathway.

The Far North Queensland (FNQ DAMA 1.2) – There are 163 occupations available. Concessions are given for English, skills, experience, salary and Permanent Residency pathway.

The Northern Territory DAMA – There are 117 occupations available. Concessions are given for English and salary for some occupations.

 

How to apply under a DAMA?

The DAMA is an Employer-Sponsored visa program. Individual workers cannot apply independently. Employers have to apply to the relevant DAR to access the DAMA for the occupations, concessions and number of workers they require.

The application process is below:

Step 1 – The Employer (Sponsoring business) applies for endorsement to the relevant DAR.

Step 2 – The DAR assesses the endorsement application.

Step 3 – If the assessment is positive, the DAR then issues a letter of endorsement to the Employer and also notifies the Department.

Step 4 – The Sponsoring business makes an application for entering into an individual DAMA Labour Agreement with the Department.

Step 5 – The Department assesses the DAMA application.

Step 6 – Upon a positive outcome from the Department, the Employer can proceed to lodge a nomination for the Employee. The Employee can then also lodge a visa application under the Labour Agreement stream with the Department.