What is Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement that helps regional Australia address labour shortages through tailored migration settings. A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) allows approved regional employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers for roles that may not be available under standard skilled migration programs.

What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an agreement between the Australian Government and a state, territory, or regional authority. It provides regions with flexibility to respond to local workforce needs by expanding eligible occupations and, in some cases, offering targeted concessions compared to the standard skilled migration framework.

What visas do DAMAs use?

DAMAs operate through employer-sponsored visa programs, including:

• Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID)

• Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)

• Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Before nominating a worker, employers must be endorsed by the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the relevant region.

What concessions do DAMAs typically provide?

Concessions depend on the specific DAMA and occupation, but may include:

• Access to additional occupations not on standard lists

• Lower skill or work experience requirements

• Reduced English language thresholds

• Salary concessions in limited circumstances

Concessions vary by region and occupation and are not guaranteed.

Active Designated Area Migration Agreements in Australia

Australia currently has 13 active DAMAs covering the following regions:

• Adelaide City Technology & Innovation Advancement – South Australia

• South Australia Regional – South Australia

• Northern Territory – Northern Territory

• Far North Queensland – Queensland

• Townsville – Townsville

• Goulburn Valley – Goulburn Valley

• Great South Coast – Great South Coast

• Orana – Orana

• Pilbara – Pilbara

• Goldfields – Goldfields

• South West – South West

• East Kimberley – East Kimberley

• Western Australia (state-wide DAMA) – Western Australia

Each DAMA has its own occupation list, criteria, and concessions.

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): Book a Consultation

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) can be a strong option for employers facing regional skills shortages and for migrants seeking employer-sponsored pathways. Because eligibility, concessions, and processes differ by region, tailored advice is essential.

If you want to assess whether a DAMA suits your situation or your employer’s needs, book a consultation with our migration team

Book Consultation