Hiring skilled workers from overseas can be challenging for Australian businesses, particularly in regional areas facing persistent workforce shortages. When standard employer-sponsored visa pathways do not meet a business’s needs, a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) may provide another option.

Australia’s DAMA framework allows eligible employers in designated regions to access overseas workers for approved occupations, subject to specific requirements and concessions.

But which DAMA applies to your business? What occupations are covered, and where do you start?

This guide covers all 13 DAMAs in Australia, the organisations employers need to contact, and the key considerations before beginning the process.

What Is a DAMA? Is It a Visa?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority. It enables eligible employers in a specified area to sponsor overseas workers under agreed conditions.

A DAMA is not a visa in itself. Instead, it provides a framework through which eligible employers may access existing employer-sponsored visa pathways, including:

• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand visa
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa

Depending on the agreement, certain occupations may be available under a DAMA even when they are not accessible through standard sponsorship arrangements. Some agreements may also provide concessions on specified eligibility requirements.

The occupations, concessions and visa pathways available depend on the relevant agreement and the individual applicant’s circumstances.

For employers, the first step is identifying the appropriate regional agreement and obtaining the required endorsement—not applying for a separate DAMA visa.

Why Do Australian Employers Use DAMAs?

For businesses struggling to fill genuine vacancies, a DAMA may offer access to a broader range of overseas talent.

Key potential benefits include:

• Access to additional occupations: Some DAMAs cover roles that may not be available through standard skilled migration pathways.
• Regional workforce support: Agreements are designed to help eligible employers address local labour shortages.
• Specified eligibility concessions: Depending on the agreement, concessions may be available for certain skills, work experience, English language or other requirements.
• Potential pathways to permanent residency: Some DAMA arrangements provide access to specified permanent residency pathways for eligible workers.

These benefits are not universal. Each DAMA has its own occupation list, eligibility conditions and concessions, so employers must assess the agreement relevant to their location and workforce needs.

The Complete List of 13 DAMAs in Australia

Australia has 13 DAMAs covering designated regions and, in some cases, broader state areas.

The table below identifies each agreement and its listed Designated Area Representative (DAR) the organisation employers generally approach first to explore endorsement.

Important: This list is a starting point, not a confirmation of current eligibility. Before proceeding, verify the agreement’s current status, designated boundaries, occupation list, DAR contact details and any applicable expiry or transition arrangements.

DAMAs in Western Australia

Western Australia has several regional arrangements alongside a statewide DAMA. The relevant option depends on where the work will be performed and which agreement covers the occupation.

Employers should not assume that the statewide agreement automatically replaces a regional DAMA, or that every occupation is available under every agreement.

DAMAs in South Australia

South Australia has arrangements covering regional areas and a separate agreement focused on technology and innovation roles in Adelaide.

The correct option depends on the work location, occupation and applicable agreement requirements.

Is Your Business in the Goldfields Region?

Employers considering the Goldfields DAMA should pay particular attention to the agreement’s current term and any extension or transition arrangements.

The published information supplied for this article identifies 31 December 2026 as an extension deadline. As this date is approaching, confirm the current position directly with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder before making recruitment or workforce commitments based on the agreement.

How Does the DAMA Application Process Work?

Although the requirements differ between agreements, the employer process generally involves two key stages.

Step 1: Obtain endorsement from the regional representative

The employer approaches the relevant DAR to establish whether the business, work location and proposed positions may qualify for endorsement.

The assessment may consider local labour shortages, recruitment efforts, the proposed occupations and the employer’s ability to meet the agreement’s requirements.

Step 2: Establish the employer’s labour agreement

Following endorsement, the employer proceeds with the relevant labour agreement request through the Department of Home Affairs, providing the required supporting information.

Once the agreement is approved, the employer can proceed with the relevant nomination and visa sponsorship steps, subject to the agreement’s terms and all applicable requirements.

Endorsement does not guarantee labour agreement approval or a successful visa outcome. Each stage has its own requirements, and the overseas worker must independently satisfy the applicable visa criteria.

Three Important Checks Before Choosing a DAMA

Before investing time in the process, employers should establish whether the proposed arrangement is suitable.

1. Can you demonstrate genuine local recruitment efforts?

DAMA arrangements are intended to address genuine workforce needs. Employers should be prepared to demonstrate appropriate efforts to recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents before seeking access to overseas workers.

The applicable labour market testing and evidence requirements should be checked for the proposed pathway.

2. Does your industry have another relevant labour agreement?

Some industries have dedicated labour agreement arrangements. The availability and suitability of a DAMA can depend on the industry, occupation and applicable program requirements.

Do not assume that a DAMA is available—or unavailable—simply because another industry agreement exists. Confirm which arrangement applies to your business before proceeding.

3. Is the actual work location covered?

The location where the employee will work matters, not simply the location of your head office.

A business operating across multiple towns or regions should check the designated boundaries and relevant agreement requirements for each proposed position.

An occupation appearing on a DAMA list does not, by itself, establish eligibility. The role, location, employer and proposed worker must all meet the applicable conditions.

Which DAMA Is Right for Your Business?

The most suitable DAMA depends on more than the occupation you want to fill. Your work location, industry, recruitment challenges and the requirements of the relevant agreement all matter.

Before choosing a pathway, establish:

• Where the employee will actually work.
• Whether the occupation is covered by the relevant DAMA.
• Whether your business can meet the endorsement and sponsorship requirements.
• Whether any applicable concessions or permanent residency pathways suit your workforce plans.

Checking these factors early can help you avoid pursuing an agreement that does not fit your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About DAMAs

Find the Right DAMA Pathway for Your Business

A DAMA can be a valuable workforce option for eligible Australian employers, but choosing the right agreement is only the beginning. The designated region, occupation, industry requirements and available visa pathways all need to align.

At Immigration Hotspot, we help Australian businesses understand employer-sponsored migration options and navigate the requirements relevant to their workforce needs.

Not sure which DAMA applies to your business? Speak with our team to discuss your location, recruitment challenges and potential sponsorship pathways before taking the next step.

[Contact Immigration Hotspot to discuss your employer-sponsored visa options.]