Goldfields DAMA Transitioning to WA DAMA

The announcement that the Goldfields DAMA Transitioning to WA DAMA will occur from 4 April 2026 is significant for employers, visa holders, and skilled migration applicants in the Goldfields region. This change will integrate the current Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) into the broader Western Australia DAMA, aligning processes and providing a more unified framework for skilled worker sponsorship in regional WA.

Key Dates and Transition Timeline

The Western Australia Department of Training and Workforce Development, together with the City of Kalgoorlie–Boulder, has confirmed the transition date of 4 April 2026. After this date, the Goldfields DAMA will no longer be offered separately.

What Happens to Existing Goldfields DAMA Agreements

Existing DAMA labour agreements will remain valid for their entire approved duration. This means:

• Current visa holders sponsored under the Goldfields DAMA will continue under the same conditions.

• Employers will not need to change or reapply for new sponsorship arrangements during the agreement period.

• Some agreements may continue for up to five years, depending on the date they were granted.

Applications Before the Transition

Employers can still apply for:

• New Goldfields DAMA labour agreements, and

• Variations to existing agreements.

These applications will continue to be assessed by the City of Kalgoorlie–Boulder up until the transition date. This provides a window for employers who require additional skilled positions before the integration into the WA DAMA framework.

Support for Employers and Sponsored Workers

The City of Kalgoorlie–Boulder will directly contact all current DAMA labour agreement holders to:

• Provide detailed guidance on the transition process,

• Clarify any administrative or sponsorship changes,

• Offer ongoing support to ensure continuity for businesses and workers.

Goldfields DAMA Transitioning to WA DAMA: Book a Consultation

The transition from the Goldfields DAMA to the WA DAMA marks a shift towards a more unified regional skilled migration approach in Western Australia. Employers and visa holders under existing agreements can remain confident that their sponsorship conditions will continue unchanged for the full duration of their agreements.

Book a consultation if you are an employer or visa applicant and require guidance on labour agreements, sponsorship pathways, or skilled migration planning.

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