Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

What is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special immigration program in Australia. It allows certain regional areas to bring in more overseas workers than the usual skilled migration programs.

Which Visas Can Be Used Under DAMA?

Employers can sponsor workers under:

• Subclass 482 – Temporary Skills Shortage (Skills in Demand)
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent)

These visa options offer a pathway to permanent residency.

Employer Requirements Under DAMA

To use a DAMA, employers must:

• Try to hire Australian citizens or permanent residents first
• Show proof of real efforts to hire locally
• Get endorsement from their region’s DAR
• Apply for a labour agreement through Immi Account

Once approved, they can sponsor workers for specific occupations listed under that DAMA.

Current DAMAs in Australia (2025)

There are 13 active DAMAs in Australia:

1. Adelaide City Technology and Innovation, SA
2. East Kimberley, WA
3. Far North Queensland, QLD
4. Goulburn Valley, VIC
5. Great South Coast, VIC
6. Northern Territory, NT
7. Orana, NSW
8. Pilbara, WA
9. South Australia Regional, SA
10. South West, WA
11. The Goldfields, WA
12. Townsville, QLD
13. Western Australia (State-wide)

Basic Requirements

Job Offer: Must have a job offer from an approved employer in a DAMA region.

Occupation: Job must be on the region’s DAMA occupation list.

Skills & Experience: Must meet the required skills and work experience.

English: Lower English scores may be accepted.

Age: Some DAMAs accept applicants over 45 years.

Health & Character: Must pass health checks and have a clean police record.

Visa Options:

Subclass 482 (Temporary)

Subclass 494 (Regional with PR pathway)

Subclass 186 (Permanent)

Benefits

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