What Is DAMA And How Does It Work?

DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is a program that allows employers in designated regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill labor shortages in their area. The program operates in regional areas of Australia that have a demonstrated shortage of skilled workers and is designed to support the economic development of these regions.

Under the DAMA program, employers can sponsor workers for a range of occupations, including both skilled and semi-skilled positions, provided that the workers meet the required criteria, such as required qualifications, skills, and experience.

Are You Eligible for a DAMA Visa?

To be eligible for a DAMA visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an employer living in a designated regional area of Australia that has been approved to participate in the DAMA program.
• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for the designated regional area and must be consistent with your qualifications, skills, and experience.
• English language proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency, as determined by the relevant regional DAMA.
• Qualifications and experience: You must need the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience for the role, as determined by the relevant regional DAMA.
• Health and character: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
• Regional Workforce Agreement: Your employer must have signed a Regional Workforce Agreement with the relevant regional DAMA, which sets out the terms and conditions of your employment.

Benefits of Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

For (employers & employees):

Labor shortage solution: DAMAs allow employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill labor shortages in their area, which can help support the economic development of the region.

• Increased flexibility: DAMAs provide more flexibility in terms of the conditions that can be offered to sponsored workers, such as higher salaries. This can make it easier for employers to attract and retain skilled workers.
• Streamlined visa processing: DAMA provides a streamlined visa processing system for employers, reducing the time and costs associated with sponsoring workers from overseas.
• Career opportunities: A DAMA visa can provide overseas workers with the opportunity to work in Australia and gain valuable experience in their field, which can help further their careers.
• Pathway to permanent residency: A DAMA visa can also provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, allowing workers to settle in the country permanently and bring their families with them.

Steps to navigate the DAMA visa process are as follows:

• Find a sponsoring employer: Find an employer located in a designated regional area of Australia that has been approved to participate in the DAMA program and is willing to sponsor you.
• Check your eligibility: Ensure that your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for the designated regional area.
• Meet other requirements, such as English language proficiency, qualifications, and experience.
• Submit a Sponsorship, Nomination and visa application:
• Work with your sponsoring employer to complete and submit a visa application to the relevant regional DAMA. This will typically include documentation such as your resume, qualifications, and proof of English language proficiency.
• Health and character checks: Undergo health and character requirements as specified by the Australian government.
• Wait for visa processing.
• Commence work in Australia: If your visa is approved, you can begin working in Australia in the role sponsored by your employer.

If you are interested in immigrating to Australia under the DAMA program, find out if your intended employer is located in a designated regional area. You should also check if your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, and ensure that you meet the other requirements for sponsorship.