The Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are special agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities. They help businesses in specific regions hire skilled workers from overseas where they are needed.
Great South Coast (GSC) DAMA has been extended for another year, offering crucial support to regional employers grappling with labor shortages. This extension, now allowing up to three hundred (300) overseas workers to fill more than one hundred twenty (120) different roles, is a testament to the program’s success in addressing the area's workforce needs.
The Great South Coast DAMA now includes positions ranging from accountants and chefs to plumbers and nurses, reflecting a broad spectrum of industries in need of skilled and semi-skilled labor.
The program covers two (2) skill shortage visas;
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494
Both offer pathways to permanent residency, enhancing job security for overseas workers and helping attract talent to the region.
Permanent Residency Pathways
The eligibility period for transitioning to permanent residency with a Subclass 482 visa has been reduced from three (3) years to two (2) years. For Subclass 494 visa holders, the period remains at three (3) years.
Benefits and Concessions
Salary Threshold Concessions: For certain occupations, employers may apply for concessions on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). The threshold, starting July 1, 2024, is $73,150 per annum. Concessions may allow reduced TSMIT if supported by a strong business case.
English Language Requirements: Concessions are available for some occupations, with lower IELTS score requirements compared to standard visa conditions.
Age Limit Concessions: The DAMA allows for higher age limits for workers in skill level 1-4 occupations (55 years) and skill level 5 occupations (50 years).
Approved GSC Occupations
Accommodation & Hospitality
Accounting & Finance
Agriculture & Horticulture
Automotive & Mechanical
Engineering & Technical
Health & Medical
IT & Communications
Construction & Trades
Cleaning & Maintenance
Education & Training
Hospitality & Retail Management
Quality Assurance & Safety
Food & Beverage Processing
Application Process
Initial Endorsement: Businesses must apply to the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for endorsement to access the DAMA. The Request for Endorsement form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the DAR.
Subsequent Year Applications: After the initial endorsement, businesses must reapply each year for additional workers or changes to their labor agreement.
Settlement Support: Employers are responsible for providing a Settlement Support Package to overseas workers before their visa application.
Eligibility
Occupation is on the Approved Occupations list.
Business has been operating lawfully for more than 12 months.
Business and position are located within the GSC region.
Position is genuine with a genuine vacancy.
Labour Market Testing requirements are met.
Employment terms are lawful and meet or exceed salary requirements or TSMIT concessions.
Compliance with sponsor obligations and migration legislation.
Please note that immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the purpose of the Great South Coast DAMA?
- The DAMA helps regional employers fill specific labor shortages by allowing them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally.
Q2. What are the permanent residency pathways under the DAMA? Is permanent residency guaranteed?
- Workers on a Subclass 482 visa can transition to permanent residency after two years, while Subclass 494 visa holders can transition after three years.
- No, permanent residency is not guaranteed. Eligible workers may apply for permanent residency through the ENS Subclass 186 or the Skilled Regional Subclass 191 visas, subject to meeting specific criteria.
Q3. Are there any salary threshold concessions available?
- Yes, for certain occupations, employers can apply for concessions on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is set at $73,150 per annum starting July 1, 2024.
Q4. How can businesses apply for the DAMA?
- Businesses must apply to the Designated Area Representative (DAR) using the Request for Endorsement Form. They should also consult with the DAR before submission to ensure all required documentation is provided.
Q5. What support is available for overseas workers under the DAMA?
- Employers are responsible for providing a Settlement Support Package to overseas workers, which helps them adjust to living and working in the region.
Q6. Can businesses apply for new workers or changes in subsequent years?
- Yes, businesses must reapply each year for additional workers or any variations to their labor agreement.
Q7. Can prospective workers apply for a visa under the GSC DAMA independently?
- No, you cannot apply independently. The GSC DAMA is employer-sponsored. Employers must first secure a DAMA from the GSC DAR, and then they can nominate workers for visas.
Q8. Will the DAR recommend businesses that may want to sponsor prospective workers?
- Yes, you can find a list of businesses with DAMA agreements that can sponsor overseas workers
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