For regional employers
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
DAMAs let employers in specific regions sponsor overseas workers with flexible occupations and concessions. There are currently 13 DAMAs in place across Australia.
About the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It is a two-tier framework: an overarching 5-year head agreement with the Designated Area Representative (DAR), and individual labour agreements with endorsed employers in the region.
DAMAs make sure employers recruit Australian citizens and permanent residents first, while giving access to occupations and concessions tailored to local needs. Home Affairs is currently supporting a transition to state and territory-led DAMAs.
Current DAMA Regions
Employers pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy with each nomination: AUD1,200 or AUD1,800 a year of the nominated stay for a 482, or a one-off AUD3,000 or AUD5,000 for a 186 or 494, depending on whether annual turnover is under AUD10 million. The levy cannot be passed on to the worker.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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A Designated Area Migration Agreement between the Australian Government and a regional authority, letting local employers sponsor overseas workers with tailored occupations and concessions.
There are currently 13 DAMAs in place, including Goulburn Valley and Great South Coast in Victoria.
Get endorsement from the Designated Area Representative, then request a DAMA labour agreement with the Australian Government.
The Labour Agreement streams of the 482, 186 and 494 visas.
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