In the ongoing challenge to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in regional and remote areas, the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) provides a strategic pathway for businesses to address labour shortages where standard visa programs fall short. But what exactly is a DAMA, and how can it help your business?
What is a DAMA?
A DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It allows employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled from the local labour market, under terms that are more flexible than the standard skilled visa programs.
These agreements are designed to respond to the unique economic and labour market conditions of specific regions, meaning concessions may be available for things like English language competency, age limits and salary thresholds.
Where Are DAMAs in Place?
Many DAMAs include occupations that are not listed on the standard Core Skills Occupation List, such as truck drivers, baristas and meat workers. They also offer access to a broader range of roles across key sectors including health, education, agriculture, tourism and hospitality. This enables businesses to engage workers in critical positions that would otherwise be inaccessible through standard visa programs.
As of May 2025, there are 13 DAMAs across Australia, including:
- Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- East Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Far North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of Commerce
- Goulburn Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley
- Great South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool City Council
- Northern Territory, NT: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
- Orana, NSW: Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
- Pilbara, WA: RDA Pilbara
- South Australia Regional, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
- South West, WA: Shire of Dardanup
- The Goldfields, WA: City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
- Townsville, QLD: Townsville Enterprise Limited
- Western Australia: Department of Training and Workforce Development
Each DAMA is tailored to the needs of its region, with its own list of eligible occupations and specific terms. This targeted approach makes DAMAs a practical solution for employers outside major cities struggling to access local talent.
How Can a DAMA Benefit Businesses?
Many regional employers find the standard visa programs do not align with their operational realities. In some cases, the required occupation is not included on the relevant skilled occupation lists. In others, the prescribed visa criteria, such as salary thresholds or English language requirements, are not feasible given the location or nature of the business. A DAMA offers a structured solution by allowing concessions to these standard requirements, enabling businesses to access the workforce they need to sustain operations and meet demand.
For businesses, DAMAs provide a flexible migration solution where traditional visa pathways might not work. Key benefits include:
- Access to a broader range of occupations, including some not available under the Core Skills Occupation List implemented in December 2024;
- Concessions on standard visa requirements, such as lower English language scores, reduced salary thresholds, and increased age limits;
- Support for semi-skilled roles, which are often critical in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, health and construction; and,
- A pathway to permanent residency, which can improve employee retention and attract higher-quality candidates.
This framework can be a lifeline for regional employers looking to maintain or grow operations without being limited by the constraints of standard visa programs. It allows businesses to access the skills they need without compromising on operational capacity or workforce quality.
What’s Involved in the Process?
The DAMA process involves four key stages:
While the DAMA process is ultimately worthwhile, it is not always straightforward. Each Designated Area has its own endorsement criteria, and government requirements are strict when it comes to proving genuine need. Businesses may find the process time-consuming or simply don’t know where to begin. That’s where experienced migration support becomes essential. With proper guidance, a DAMA can be a powerful tool in your workforce planning.
At Stone Group Lawyers, we support employers from the start of the DAMA journey through to successful visa grant. Our DAMA services include:
- Assessing your business’ eligibility and identifying available concessions under the relevant DAMA;
- Preparing and lodging the endorsement request with the relevant Designated Area Representative;
- Preparing and submitting the Labour Agreement Request to the Department of Home Affairs;
- Managing the nomination and visa application process for your selected overseas worker(s);
- Providing ongoing advice on compliance obligations and permanent visa pathways for employees; and,
- Assisting with Labour Agreement variation requests to accommodate changes and growth in your workforce needs over time.
Final Thoughts
If your business operates in a designated area and struggles to find suitably skilled local workers, exploring a DAMA could be a smart move. It offers a structured solution that not only addresses labour needs, but also supports community growth and economic resilience.
If you’d like advice on how a DAMA could work for your business, contact our migration team to discuss next steps.