Designated Area Migration Agreements
DAMA Lawyers for Regional Employers
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a regional authority that allows employers in the designated area to sponsor overseas workers in occupations not available under standard visa pathways, with modified eligibility concessions on English, age, and salary requirements.
What is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a Labour Agreement framework negotiated between the Commonwealth and a regional authority. Individual employers access the DAMA by obtaining endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for their region, rather than negotiating directly with the Department of Home Affairs.
DAMAs typically offer broader occupation lists and stronger eligibility concessions than standard Labour Agreements, in recognition of acute workforce needs in regional areas. Concessions may include lower English language thresholds, higher age limits (up to 55 years), and reduced salary floors.
As at April 2026, there are 13 active DAMAs across Australia covering regional Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.
The DAMA process
Eligibility assessment
We confirm your regional classification, the applicable DAMA, the occupations available, and the concessions that apply before any application is lodged.
Endorsement application
We prepare and submit the endorsement application to the Designated Area Representative, including the genuine need case and local recruitment evidence.
Sponsorship approval
We prepare and lodge the Standard Business Sponsorship application under the DAMA Labour Agreement stream and manage all Departmental correspondence.
Nomination and visa
We prepare nominations and visa applications for each worker, applying all applicable DAMA concessions through to grant.
13
Active DAMAs
325
NT DAMA occupations
55 yrs
Max age (select DAMAs)
IELTS 4.5
English concession (NT)
All active DAMA regions
Click any DAMA region to view its specific occupation list, eligibility concessions, endorsing authority, and how to access the agreement. Use Ctrl+F to search this table.
| DAMA Region | Designated Area Representative | Key Industries / Occupations | Annual Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory DAMA | Northern Territory Government | 325 occupations | 1,500/yr |
| South Australia Regional DAMA | Skilled and Business Migration SA | 320+ occupations | 2,000/yr |
| Adelaide City Technology and Innovation DAMA | Skilled and Business Migration SA | Technology and innovation focus | — |
| Far North Queensland DAMA | Cairns Chamber of Commerce | Tourism, hospitality, health | — |
| Orana DAMA | Orana Regional Organisation of Councils | 129 occupations | — |
| Western Australia DAMA | Migration Services WA | All WA postcodes outside Perth | — |
| Goldfields DAMA | Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission | Mining, resources | — |
| South West WA DAMA | South West Development Commission | Agriculture, viticulture, tourism | — |
| Pilbara DAMA | Pilbara Development Commission | Resources, construction | — |
| East Kimberley DAMA | East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce | Regional WA occupations | — |
| Townsville DAMA | Townsville Enterprise | Mining, health, hospitality | — |
| Great South Coast DAMA | Warrnambool City Council | Agriculture, dairy, regional services | — |
| Goulburn Valley DAMA | Goulburn Valley DAMA | Agriculture, food processing | — |
Source: Department of Home Affairs. DAMA details current as at April 2026. Occupation lists and concessions are reviewed annually.
Why instruct Visa Plan for your DAMA?
Legal Professional Privilege
DAMA applications require disclosure of business operations, payroll structures, and recruitment history. All disclosures to an admitted solicitor are protected by Legal Professional Privilege.
Dual audience submissions
DAMA endorsement requires satisfying both the regional authority and the Department of Home Affairs. We structure submissions for both audiences simultaneously.
Government-side experience
James Bae represented the Australian Government at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal before founding Visa Plan. That experience informs how we structure complex employer cases.
DAMA information sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and respective Designated Area Representative websites. DAMA terms, occupation lists, and concessions change periodically. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.