Australia Launches New Northern Territory DAMA (2025–2030)
On March 19, 2025, the Australian Government announced the third iteration of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory, known as NT DAMA III. This agreement will be in effect until June 30, 2030, aiming to address critical workforce shortages in the region by allowing employers to sponsor overseas workers across a broad range of occupations.
What is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a designated area representative (DAR), such as a state or territory government or regional authority. It allows regions to access a broader range of overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program by providing flexibility in occupations and concessions to visa eligibility criteria.
Key Features of NT DAMA III
- Expanded Occupation List: The new agreement includes an expanded list of 325 occupations, up from 135 in the previous DAMA, covering various industries such as healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and construction.
- Increased Nomination Quota: Employers in the Northern Territory can nominate up to 1,500 overseas workers annually, a significant increase from the previous quota of 625.
- Streamlined Application Process: The application process for employers has been streamlined to facilitate quicker and more efficient processing of labor agreements.
- Concessions on Visa Requirements: The agreement offers concessions on skills, experience, and English language proficiency requirements, making it more accessible for employers to sponsor overseas workers.
Eligibility and Application Process
To participate in the NT DAMA III, employers must:
- Obtain Endorsement: Seek and gain endorsement from the designated area representative before lodging a labor agreement request.
- Demonstrate Genuine Effort: Show genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents before seeking to sponsor overseas workers.
- Sponsor Eligible Occupations: Sponsor workers for occupations specified in the DAMA head agreement.
Once endorsed, employers can nominate and sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers under visa programs such as the subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme).
Benefits for Employers and Workers
For Employers:
- Address Labor Shortages: Access to a broader range of occupations helps fill critical skill gaps in the region.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and concessions facilitate quicker hiring of necessary staff.
For Workers:
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Opportunities to transition from temporary to permanent residency through specified visa pathways.
- Diverse Opportunities: Access to a wide range of occupations across various industries in the Northern Territory.
Conclusion from Emigrantz
The introduction of NT DAMA III represents a significant step in addressing workforce shortages in the Northern Territory by providing a flexible and streamlined pathway for employers to sponsor overseas workers. With an expanded occupation list and increased nomination quotas, this agreement opens new opportunities for both employers and skilled migrants.
At Emigrantz, we are committed to guiding you through the complexities of the DAMA application process. Our team of experts is here to assist employers in securing endorsements and navigating visa applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Contact Emigrantz today to learn more about how we can support your migration and employment needs under the new NT DAMA III.