DAMA Agreement
DAMA Agreement Overview
Australia’s DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements) are a type of migration mechanism established between the Australian Federal Government and local or regional authorities. The aim of these agreements is to address skill shortages in specific areas. DAMAs allow employers to recruit workers from overseas through these specialized agreements, offering more flexibility compared to regular visa pathways. This includes extended occupation lists, lowered English language requirements, adjusted salary standards, and pathways to permanent residency for overseas workers.
- Purpose: To attract overseas talent to address labor shortages in remote areas.
- Coverage Areas: Currently, multiple DAMA agreements exist, covering regions including the Northern Territory, South Australia, parts of Tasmania, parts of Victoria, and parts of Western Australia.
- Applicable Visas: Generally implemented through Australia’s 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or 186 Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency Visa.
- Key Features:
- Region-Specific: Only applies to areas covered by the agreement.
- Diverse Occupation Lists: Includes some occupations not on the national occupation list.
- Flexible Conditions: May reduce English, salary, or skill requirements.
- Pathways to Permanent Residency: Some agreements provide workers with opportunities for permanent residency.
Application Requirements
- Employer Requirements:
- Located in areas covered by the DAMA agreement.
- Hold relevant industry qualifications and maintain a good business operation record.
- Unable to find suitable local employees.
- Eligible to apply as a “sponsoring employer.”
- Employee Requirements:
- Possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated position.
- Meet the English and salary conditions set by the DAMA agreement (which may be lower than the national standard).
- Willing to work and live long-term in remote areas.
- Visa Requirements:
- Typically applied through the 482 visa, meeting the special exemption conditions under the DAMA agreement.
Advantages
- Broader occupational scope: Includes occupations not covered by the national skill list, such as lower or medium-skilled positions.
Flexible requirements:
- Lower English requirements, with some occupations requiring only an average IELTS score of 4.5-5.
- Reduced salary thresholds to suit the economic environment of remote areas.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Some DAMA agreements allow applicants to apply for permanent residency after a certain number of years.
- Support for regional development: Promotes the economic prosperity of local areas and provides more opportunities for migrants.
- Reduced competition: Opportunities in remote areas are relatively easier to access compared to the intense competition in major cities.
Application Process
- Employer Sponsorship Application:
- Broader occupational scope: Includes occupations not covered by the national skill list, such as lower or medium-skilled positions.
- Occupation Nomination：
- The employer submits a nomination application for the selected position to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Visa Application:
- The nominated overseas employee submits a 482 visa application.
- Work and Residency:
- The employee works and resides in the designated regional area for the required duration under the agreement.
- Permanent Residency Application (Optional):
- Upon meeting the requirements, the applicant may apply for permanent residency through the 186 visa.
Costs
- Employer Application Fees: ：
- DAMA agreement-related fees (varies by region).
- Sponsorship eligibility fee: approximately AUD 420.
- Occupation nomination fee: approximately AUD 330.
- Visa Application Fees:
- 482 Visa: starts from AUD 2,770 (for the main applicant).。
- Additional costs for English tests, skills assessments, medical examinations, etc.
- Other Costs:
- Permanent residency transition fees (if applicable).