What are Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)?

What are Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)?

If you operate a hospitality business in regional Australia and you’re struggling to find skilled workers locally, a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) could be an option to help you find skilled and qualified staff. This specialised migration pathway offers regional employers greater flexibility to sponsor overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program and it is designed to attract skilled hospitality employees to regional areas.  But how does it actually work?

What Is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and state, territory, or regional authorities that gives regional businesses enhanced access to overseas workers. Unlike standard visa programs, DAMAs are specifically designed to address the unique economic and labour market conditions of different regions across Australia.

Think of a DAMA as a tailored migration solution that recognises that regional areas often have different workforce needs than major cities, and may require more flexibility to attract the skilled and semi-skilled workers they need to grow.

How Does the Two-Tier DAMA Framework Work?

DAMAs operate through a two-tier structure that balances regional needs with government oversight:

Tier One: The Head Agreement

The first tier is a five-year overarching agreement (called the “head agreement”) between the Australian Government and a Designated Area Representative (DAR). The DAR is typically:

• A state or territory government
• A Chamber of Commerce
• A Regional Development Australia office
• A Shire Council

This head agreement establishes the framework for the entire region, including:

• The range of occupations that can be sponsored
• Agreed concessions to standard skilled visa eligibility criteria
• The terms under which individual businesses can access the scheme

Tier Two: Individual Labour Agreements

Once a head agreement is in place, individual businesses within that designated region can apply for their own DAMA labour agreement under the terms negotiated in the head agreement.

These individual labour agreements:

• Are typically valid for five years
• Allow businesses to nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers
• Operate through the subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID), subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional), and subclass 186 Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa programs

The Application Process: What Employers Need to Know

If you’re interested in accessing a DAMA for your business, here’s what the process looks like:

Step 1: Get DAR Endorsement Before you can apply for a DAMA labour agreement, you must first seek and gain endorsement from your region’s Designated Area Representative. The DAR will assess whether your business meets the requirements and whether your labour needs align with the regional agreement.

Step 2: Lodge Your Labour Agreement Request Once endorsed, you’ll lodge your labour agreement request online through ImmiAccount or with the help of Edupi Migration. The online form will outline all requirements and supporting documentation you’ll need to provide.

Step 3: Demonstrate Genuine Recruitment Efforts A critical requirement: you must demonstrate that you’ve made genuine attempts to recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents first. DAMAs are designed to supplement, not replace, the local workforce.

Step 4: Receive Approval and Begin Sponsoring If your DAMA labour agreement is approved, you’ll be able to nominate and sponsor overseas workers for the specific occupations covered under your regional DAMA head agreement.

Which Regions Have DAMAs?

Currently, 13 regions across Australia have active DAMA arrangements:

New South Wales

• Orana (Regional Development Australia – Orana)

Northern Territory

• Northern Territory DAMA

Queensland

• Far North Queensland (Cairns Chamber of Commerce)
• Townsville (Townsville Enterprise Limited)

South Australia

• Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement (Skilled & Business Migration)
• South Australia Regional (Skilled & Business Migration)

Victoria

• Goulburn Valley
• Great South Coast (Warrnambool City Council)

Western Australia

• East Kimberley (East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
• Pilbara (RDA Pilbara)
• South West (Shire of Dardanup)
• The Goldfields (City of Kalgoorlie Boulder)
• Western Australia (Department of Training and Workforce Development)

Each DAMA covers specific regions, locations, or shires, and includes different occupation lists tailored to local needs. Visit your regional DAR’s website to find out which occupations are covered and whether your location is included.

The Role of Designated Area Representatives

Your regional DAR plays a crucial role in making DAMAs work effectively. They:

• Work closely with local employers and stakeholders to understand unique labour needs
• Gather broader community views on migration and workforce development
• Conduct annual reviews of DAMA terms and operation
• Endorse individual business requests before they’re submitted to the Department of Home Affairs
• Act as a bridge between regional businesses and the Australian Government

What’s Next for DAMAs? The Regional Migration Review

The Australian Government is currently evaluating regional migration settings, including DAMAs, as part of its Migration Strategy released in December 2023. This review aims to ensure that regional migration programs better support community and workforce needs while preventing migrant worker exploitation.

A discussion paper titled “Supporting Strong and Sustainable Regions – Review of Regional Migration Settings” was released in June 2024, signaling potential changes ahead.

Is a DAMA Right for Your Business?

A DAMA could be an excellent option if:

• Your business operates in a designated regional area
• You’ve struggled to find skilled or semi-skilled workers locally
• You can demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australians first
• You need access to occupations or concessions not available through standard visa programs
• You’re committed to meeting your sponsorship obligations and paying correct award rates

Next Steps

If you think a DAMA might be the right solution for your regional business, start by:

1. Checking whether your region has an active DAMA
2. Reviewing your regional DAR’s website to understand the occupations covered
3. Contacting your DAR to discuss your labour needs and eligibility
4. Gathering evidence of your recruitment efforts for Australian workers
5. Preparing your business documentation for the endorsement process

Regional Australia’s workforce challenges require regional solutions—and DAMAs provide the flexibility to make that happen. With the right preparation and support, your business can access the skilled workers you need to grow and thrive.

Need help navigating the DAMA process? Understanding regional migration agreements and ensuring your application meets all requirements can be complex. If you’d like expert guidance on whether a DAMA is right for your business and how to maximise your chances of approval, reach out to discuss your specific situation.