Understanding DAMA 482/494/186
Regional Solutions: Addressing Workforce Needs Through DAMA
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a special labour agreement between the Australian Government and regional authorities, allowing employers in designated areas to sponsor overseas workers for roles experiencing genuine skill shortages. DAMA offers greater flexibility than standard skilled visas, including concessions on age, English, salary, and occupation requirements, helping regional employers fill critical workforce gaps.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) (Subclass 482/494/186)
What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority, referred to as a Designated Area Representative (DAR). DAMAs are created to help regional areas address ongoing labour shortages by allowing access to a wider range of skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers than is normally available under standard migration programs.
These agreements operate within a structured and government-approved framework, providing regions with flexibility to respond to their specific workforce and economic needs while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.
DAMAs are designed to:
Support regions experiencing persistent skills and labour shortages
Offer greater flexibility compared to standard skilled migration pathways
Provide employers with workforce stability and planning certainty
Contribute to long-term regional economic growth and sustainability
How DAMAs Work: The Two-Tier Framework
DAMAs operate under a two-tier agreement structure.
1. DAMA Head Agreement
The head agreement is a five-year deed between the Australian Government and the Designated Area Representative. It outlines:
The geographic boundaries of the DAMA region
Approved occupations for that region
Any agreed concessions to standard visa requirements (such as age, English, salary, or skill level)
Annual caps on overseas worker numbers
Compliance, monitoring, and review arrangements
2. Individual DAMA Labour Agreements
Once a head agreement is in place, eligible employers within the region can apply for an individual DAMA labour agreement. These agreements:
Are entered into between the Australian Government and the endorsed employer
Are generally valid for up to five years
Allow employers to nominate and sponsor overseas workers for approved DAMA occupations
Must strictly comply with the conditions set out in the relevant head agreement
Who Can Access a DAMA?
DAMAs are employer-led and cannot be accessed directly by individuals. Overseas workers must be nominated by an approved employer located within the designated region and for an occupation listed under the relevant DAMA. Employers must first obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) before applying to the Department of Home Affairs.
Who Can Access a DAMA?
Visa Pathways Available Under DAMA
Approved DAMA labour agreements may allow access to:
Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID)
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Available pathways depend on the specific DAMA, occupation, and negotiated concessions.
Who Can Access a DAMA?
Concessions Available Under DAMAs
Depending on the region and occupation, DAMAs may provide concessions to:
Occupation eligibility
Skills and qualifications
English language requirements
Age limits
Salary and income thresholds
All concessions are pre-approved under the DAMA head agreement and closely regulated.
