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DAMA & ILA23 March 2026 2 min read

Understanding DAMAs for Regional Migration in 2026

Explore the benefits of Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and how they support regional migration in Australia by offering key concessions.

Summary

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) offer regional employers the ability to sponsor overseas workers with specific concessions. This article explores active DAMAs and their impact on regional migration.

55

Max Age Concession

5.0

Min IELTS Requirement

13

Active DAMAs

Key Data on DAMAs

DAMAs are formal agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities, allowing employers in designated areas to sponsor overseas talent when local workers are unavailable. These agreements provide several concessions to the standard skilled migration visa requirements.

  • Access to occupations not on standard lists
  • Concessions on English language requirements
  • Concessions on skills assessment requirements
  • Lower salary thresholds (TSMIT)
  • Age concessions up to 55 years
RegionNorthern Territory
DAMA NameNorthern Territory DAMA
RegionQueensland
DAMA NameFar North Queensland DAMA, Townsville DAMA
RegionNew South Wales
DAMA NameOrana DAMA
RegionSouth Australia
DAMA NameAdelaide Technology and Innovation DAMA, South Australia Regional DAMA
RegionWestern Australia
DAMA NameGoldfields DAMA, Kalgoorlie-Boulder DAMA, East Kimberley DAMA, The Pilbara DAMA, South West DAMA
RegionVictoria
DAMA NameGreat South Coast DAMA, Goulburn Valley DAMA
Active DAMAs across Australia

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Analysis of DAMA Impact

Employers participating in DAMAs must first enter into a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. Once established, they can nominate overseas workers under the agreement, thereby addressing critical skill shortages in their regions.

DAMAs provide a vital pathway for regional employers to meet labour demands.

What Makes DAMAs Unique?

DAMAs operate in conjunction with the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), offering unique concessions tailored to regional needs.

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Open or closed across all 8 states and territories, updated regularly.

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189
70
491
75
190
80

Next Steps for Employers and Applicants

Employers and migration agents may wish to consider DAMAs as a strategic option for addressing regional labour shortages. With 13 active DAMAs, regions across Australia have tailored pathways to attract skilled migrants.

Considerations for Migration Agents

Agents should review specific DAMA terms for each region, as concessions and eligible occupations can vary significantly.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Always consult a MARA-registered migration agent for advice specific to your circumstances.

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