Australia has always been a dream destination for skilled professionals looking to build a successful future. With its growing industries and strong economy, there’s a constant demand for qualified workers across many sectors. But not every region in Australia has the same labour needs. That’s where DAMA — or Designated Area Migration Agreement — comes into play.

At Indeedvisa, we often meet clients who have the right skills but are unsure about which visa pathway suits them best. If you’re considering skilled migration Perth or other regional parts of Australia, understanding how DAMA works could open new doors for your career.

What is DAMA?

DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) is a special program that allows employers in specific regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled locally.

Unlike standard visa programs, DAMA is a regional labour agreement between the Australian Government and a specific region, such as a city, territory, or council area. It’s designed to respond to local skill shortages and support regional growth.

In simpler terms:

DAMA helps regional businesses hire international workers for jobs that Australians are not filling — while giving skilled migrants new opportunities to live and work in regional Australia.

Why DAMA Exists

Australia’s regional areas often struggle to attract and keep workers. Jobs in agriculture, healthcare, hospitality and trades may stay vacant for months. While cities like Perth, Sydney and Melbourne attract more talent, regional employers face ongoing shortages.

DAMA was introduced to bridge this gap — ensuring regional communities can thrive and skilled migrants have more pathways to permanent residency.

There are currently 13 DAMAs in place. Below is a list of those DAMAs with links to the respective DAR* websites that contain information on how to access each DAMA as well as which regions/locations/shires are covered:

  • Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
  • East Kimberley, WA: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Far North Queensland, QLD: Cairns Chamber of Commerce
  • Goulburn Valley, VIC: Goulburn Valley
  • Great South Coast, VIC: Warrnambool City Council
  • Northern Territory, NT: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement
  • Orana, NSW: Regional Development Australia – Orana, NSW
  • Pilbara, WA: RDA Pilbara
  • South Australia Regional, SA: Skilled & Business Migration
  • South West, WA: Shire of Dardanup
  • The Goldfields, WA: City of Kalgoorlie Boulder
  • Townsville, QLD: Townsville Enterprise Limited
  • Western Australia: Department of Training and Workforce Development

 

For example, the WA, East Kimberley, WA and South West DAMA was established to support industries like construction, health, tourism and agriculture. It allows employers to access a wider range of occupations and lower skill or English level requirements in some cases.

How DAMA Works

To understand DAMA better, it’s helpful to look at how it fits within Australia’s visa system. DAMA operates under two main visa subclasses:

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
     This visa lets skilled workers come to Australia to fill jobs where employers can’t find suitable Australian workers.
  2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Visa – Subclass 494
     This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.

DAMA uses these visa types but with special conditions that make it more flexible and region-friendly.

Key Features of DAMA

Here are some unique features that make DAMA different from standard skilled migration programs:

1. Access to More Occupations

Under DAMA, regions can include occupations that are not listed on the national skilled occupation list. This means even semi-skilled roles can be sponsored, depending on local labour needs.

2. Concessions on Requirements

DAMA often includes flexible requirements, such as:

  • Lower English language levels
  • Broader age limits
  • Lower salary thresholds (compared to standard skilled visas)
  • Reduced experience or qualification levels

This makes it easier for migrants who might not qualify under standard visa programs to still be eligible through DAMA.

3. Regional Focus

DAMA visas are tied to regional areas, encouraging migrants to live, work and settle outside major cities. This helps balance Australia’s population and supports local economies.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency

Many DAMA arrangements include a PR pathway, especially through the 494 visa, which can lead to permanent residence after fulfilling work and residency requirements.

How DAMA Benefits Employers

For employers in regional areas like Perth and beyond, DAMA offers a practical solution to skills shortages.

  • Easier Sponsorship Process: DAMA provides access to a wider range of roles that can be sponsored.
  • Tailored Agreements: Each region can negotiate its own DAMA terms based on local needs.
  • Long-Term Stability: Employers can retain skilled staff for longer periods, improving workforce stability.

At Indeedvisa, we assist businesses across Western Australia to understand and access DAMA sponsorship options. Our expert team handles the full process — from labour market testing to nomination and visa applications.

How DAMA Benefits Skilled Migrants

For skilled professionals looking to move to Australia, DAMA can be a life-changing opportunity.

1. More Job Options

DAMA covers many occupations that are not available through other skilled visa programs. For example, hospitality supervisors, aged care workers and farm technicians can all qualify under certain DAMAs.

2. Easier Entry Requirements

Concessions in English levels, skills and age make DAMA more accessible for skilled migrants who may not meet the standard visa thresholds.

3. Regional Living Experience

Living in regional Australia offers a peaceful lifestyle, lower living costs and strong community support. Cities like Perth, while vibrant and modern, still count as regional under certain visa categories — making them ideal for DAMA migration.

4. Pathway to PR

Many DAMA arrangements provide clear steps toward permanent residency, helping migrants build long-term futures in Australia.

DAMA and Skilled Migration Perth

If you’re exploring skilled migration Perth, DAMA could be one of your best options. Western Australia’s economy is growing rapidly and many industries are in constant need of skilled workers — from healthcare and mining to hospitality and construction.

At Indeedvisa, our registered migration agents in Perth help individuals and employers navigate the DAMA process smoothly. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled staff or a professional looking for sponsorship, we make the entire journey stress-free.

Steps to Apply Under DAMA

Applying for a DAMA visa involves several stages. Here’s a simplified overview:

  1. Employer Endorsement:
     The employer must first apply for endorsement through the relevant DAMA region (for example, the South West DAMA or the Kimberley DAMA).
  2. Labour Agreement Request:
     Once endorsed, the employer submits a labour agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs.
  3. Nomination:
     After approval, the employer nominates the overseas worker for the relevant visa (482 or 494).
  4. Visa Application:
     The nominated worker then applies for their visa, providing evidence of skills, qualifications and English level (as required).

At Indeedvisa, we support both employers and employees at each step — ensuring compliance and success.

Examples of DAMA Regions in Australia

Currently, there are several DAMA regions across Australia, including:

  • Perth and South West WA
  • Northern Territory DAMA
  • South Australia Regional DAMA
  • Orana Region (NSW)
  • Far North Queensland DAMA
  • Pilbara and Goldfields DAMA (WA)

Each of these regions has its own list of eligible occupations and special conditions.

Why DAMA Matters for Australia’s Future

DAMA isn’t just about visas — it’s about building sustainable communities. Regional Australia plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, from mining and agriculture to tourism and aged care. By connecting skilled migrants with local employers, DAMA strengthens both local and national growth.

It also provides migrants with a more welcoming pathway to Australian life, often in areas where communities are eager to support and integrate new residents.

How Indeedvisa Can Help

At Indeedvisa, we understand that migration rules can be confusing, especially when programs like DAMA have unique regional requirements. Our experienced team provides personalised migration advice to both individuals and businesses.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Assess your eligibility for DAMA, 482, or 494 visas
  • Help employers get DAMA endorsement
  • Prepare and lodge sponsorship, nomination and visa applications
  • Advise on pathways to permanent residency
  • Provide ongoing support until visa approval

Our goal is simple: to make your migration journey smooth, clear and successful.

Conclusion

The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is reshaping Australia’s skilled migration landscape. For regional employers, it solves critical workforce challenges. For skilled migrants, it opens new doors to opportunity, stability and eventual permanent residency. If you’re thinking about skilled migration Perth, it’s worth exploring whether DAMA could be your ideal pathway.

At Indeedvisa, we’re here to guide you through every step — from understanding your options to securing your visa and settling in Australia.