Australia offers multiple visa programs, including the DAMA visa(Designated Area Migration Agreement). It is one of the unique initiatives to address regional labor shortages by helping with the recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
This employer-sponsored visa program offers a unique pathway to migrants to live and work in Australia’s regional areas, which simulatenously contribute in personal and community growth.
If you also plan to immigrate to Australia through the Designated Area Migration Agreement visa program, this article is for you. It will provide complete details about this visa program, including its eligibility requirements, application process, and every other detail.
What is a DAMA Visa?
The DAMA is a legal agreement between the Australian government and a state, territory, or regional entity. Under this visa program, employers from particular regions can sponsor skilled foreign workers to fill positions they cannot fill with local talent. The operation of this visa program is divided into two levels:
- Head Agreement: The terms and conditions of the DAMA Labor Agreement are outlined in the Head Agreement, a comprehensive five-year agreement between the Australian government and the Designated Area Representative (DAR).
- Labour Agreement: A special arrangement between the Australian government and local firms that permits them to sponsor skilled foreign workers under the terms of the head agreement.
Key Aspects of the DAMA visa program
The following information explains the key aspects of the DAMA visa program.
Expanded Occupation List
The DAMA covers a wide range of jobs, including semi-skilled and skilled positions which aren’t usually covered under the standard Australia Immigration program.
Relaxation of Visa Requirements
Depending upon Dama, there are some relaxations in the requirements for age, work experience, and english language proficiency. Through this, DAMA becomes more accessible to a broader pool of applicants.
Pathway to Australia PR Visa
After meeting specific residential and employment requirements, DAMA visa holders can become eligible to apply for the Australia PR Visa.
Regional Focus
To ensure that migration benefits are allocated where they are most needed, the program targets regions are as that are facing severe labor shortages.
Eligibility Criteria of DAMA Visa Program
To become eligible for the DAMA visa program, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
Sponsorship
At first, candidates are required to be sponsored by an employer with a valid agreement under the DAMA.
Occupation
Candidates must be nominated for an occupation, including those listed under the DAMA in-demand list.
Skills and Experience
The candidate must have the necessary skills and experience for the nominated occupation.
English Language Proficiency
Meet the English language requirements, which may differ based on the DAMA and the chosen occupation.
Age
Be between the DAMA-defined age limits, which can involve concessions of age.
Salary
Be paid at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) level or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is greater.
Note: Individual eligibility criteria may differ by state or territory that runs the DAMA. It’s important to refer to the respective DAMA guidelines for more specific details.
How to apply for a DAMA Visa?
To successfully get a DAMA visa, candidates are required to follow the following steps:
Employer Endorsement
Employers must first secure the appropriate endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR). It entails showing actual efforts to hire Australian employees and showing that the job cannot be filled locally.
Labour Agreement Application
Subsequently, endorsed employers can apply for a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, laying down the conditions under which they may sponsor foreign workers.
Visa Application
Once the labour agreement has been approved, foreign workers are able to apply for the relevant visa (such as subclass 482, 494, or 186), which enables them to reside and work in Australia.
Recent Amendments in the DAMA Visa Program
There have been significant changes to the DAMA visa program to make it more effective and accessible:
Increased Nomination Places
The Northern Territory DAMA has been increased to offer up to 1,500 approved nominations annually, compared to 625 under the original agreement.
This increase will meet workforce shortages in all sectors with a broader range of occupations, numbering 325.
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Increase
The TSMIT was raised from $70,000 to $73,150 on July 1, 2024. This change guarantees that nominees receive a minimum yearly salary that either meets or surpasses this criterion and applies to new nominations for pertinent visa categories.
Western Australia State-wide DAMA
On July 1, 2024, a new statewide DAMA will be implemented in Western Australia. Five thousand migration spots will be made available under the arrangement, split equally between companies in urban and regional areas, to fill specific jobs in the building and construction, health and aged care, tourism and hospitality, and agricultural sectors.
Occupation List Expansions
Some DAMAs have broadened their occupation lists to add more construction, agriculture, and healthcare jobs.
For instance, the South Australian regional DAMA has 128 new occupations under several industries, including construction, trade, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy.
For more details about the DAMA visa program, reach out to Keymart visa via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
