East Kimberley DAMA: A Guide for Employers

The East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a strategic workforce solution for employers across one of the most remote and economically vital regions of Western Australia. This five-year agreement between the Australian Government and the East Kimberley Designated Area Representative (DAR) helps businesses address chronic labour shortages by accessing skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers. Designated Area Migration Agreements are formal agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities, providing a structured and authoritative framework for regional migration policies like DAMAs.

If your business is finding it difficult to secure local talent, the East Kimberley DAMA offers a practical, flexible migration framework tailored to the needs of regional WA. DAMAs operate under a structured, agreement-based system to address regional workforce needs, supporting regional development and targeted workforce solutions. With more generous visa conditions and a broader occupation list than standard skilled visa programs, it enables employers to remain competitive, productive, and operational.

Ano ang Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a two-tiered arrangement between the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs) and a regional authority known as the Designated Area Representative (DAR). Regional authorities, such as the DAR, negotiate and oversee DAMAs to address local workforce needs. DAMAs allow employers in a defined regional area to sponsor overseas workers where suitable local workers are not available.

These agreements play a critical role in supporting regional growth. The concessions available under a DAMA may include:

• Lower English language requirements for certain occupations
• Higher age limits than standard visa pathways
• Concessions to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
• Expanded occupation lists, including roles not available under general skilled programs

The DAMA process involves several steps, including seeking endorsement from the regional authority, submitting an application, and obtaining approval from the Department of Home Affairs.

Through the East Kimberley DAMA, employers gain access to occupations that fall outside traditional skilled migration frameworks — providing a workforce pipeline that is otherwise unavailable locally. The DAMA terms include specific concessions and requirements tailored to the region.

The application process for employers seeking to participate in the DAMA involves endorsement by the regional authority, submission of a formal application, and compliance with DAMA conditions.

The East Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement

The East Kimberley DAMA is designed to meet the unique workforce challenges of this remote region, supporting industries essential to local economic sustainability. The region faces unique economic conditions, with specific labour market needs that require tailored solutions not addressed by standard migration programs. The agreement is administered by the region’s Designated Area Representative (DAR), which is responsible for endorsing employers and managing requests for changes to labour agreements.

Industries benefiting from the East Kimberley DAMA commonly include:

• Agriculture and aquaculture
• Turismo at mabuting pakikitungo
• Transportasyon at logistik
• Construction and trades
• Healthcare and community services

Local chambers of commerce and regional organizations play a key role in supporting these industries by facilitating the DAMA and regional employment initiatives.

Workforce development programs are crucial in supporting regional industry needs, providing training, skills enhancement, and employment growth to ensure a skilled labour force for the area.

The DAMA’s broad occupational coverage and targeted concessions reflect the regional priority to attract workers willing to commit long-term to the East Kimberley. Employers and workers also receive support through the DAMA framework, including guidance, resources, and services to help navigate application processes and settle into the region.

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Mga Programa ng DAMA Visa at Permanenteng Paninirahan

The East Kimberley DAMA operates through specific visa subclasses available under the Labour Agreement stream, providing overseas workers with clear pathways to both employment and long-term settlement. The DAMA provides access to a range of visas for both skilled and semi-skilled workers, addressing local labour shortages across various skill levels and occupations.

Employers can access:

• Skill in Demand Visa (subclass 482): Allows employers to sponsor workers temporarily, with DAMA concessions available for age, English, and TSMIT. Eligible East Kimberley DAMA 482 holders may access a shortened pathway to permanent residence. The visa application process requires employers to submit a complete nomination application for approval, ensuring all details about the overseas worker and the role are accurately provided.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): A regional visa enabling long-term employment in the East Kimberley. This pathway is open to both skilled and semi skilled occupations, with flexible criteria based on the required skill level.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): This visa offers a permanent residence pathway, often after completing the required employment period under a DAMA 482 or 494. Successful visa applicants under this stream may become permanent residents, securing long-term status in Australia.

DAMA concessions may include relaxed English requirements, lower TSMIT, and broader occupation coverage, especially for semi-skilled workers. Age concession is also available, extending the age limit for certain skill levels and semi-skilled occupations, making it easier for older visa applicants to qualify.

The strong permanent residence pathways make DAMA roles more attractive to overseas candidates considering relocation to regional Western Australia. Compared to the standard skilled migration program, the DAMA offers more flexible eligibility, tailored concessions, and broader access for both skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Pag-endorso ng Employer at Mga Kasunduan sa Paggawa ng DAMA

Before accessing the DAMA program, employers must secure endorsement from the East Kimberley DAR. Employers must obtain endorsement from the DAR before submitting a labour agreement request to the government.

This ensures the employer meets key suitability requirements, including demonstrating:

• Operations within the East Kimberley region
• That the business operates within the designated area
• Financial viability
• Genuine labour shortages that cannot be filled locally
• At least 12 months of lawful business operation

Local employers must also show evidence of current labour market conditions and demand for overseas workers in specific regions.

Providing a valid employment contract is an important part of the application process.

Mag-aplay para sa isang Kasunduan sa Paggawa

Once endorsed, employers can apply to the Department of Home Affairs for a DAMA Labour Agreement, which is referred to as the Kimberley DAMA Labour Agreement. This agreement outlines:

• The specific occupations approved
• The number of positions available (employer ceiling)
• Concessions applicable to those occupations

Employers should be aware that an endorsement fee may apply per position when applying for the DAMA, and this cost can vary. The application process is open to all employers operating in the region, not just EKCCI members.

With an approved DAMA Labour Agreement, employers can:

• Sponsor workers in expanded occupation categories
• Access concessions on English, age, and salary
• Utilise pathways to permanent residence through the ENS (subclass 186)

Mga Kahilingan sa Pagkakaiba-iba at Mga Kisame ng Employer

As business needs evolve, employers may need to adjust their existing labour agreement via a Variation Request, which may include:

• Adding or removing occupations
• Changing employer ceilings
• Nominating a current TSS (subclass 482) worker for permanent residence under the ENS (subclass 186)

Variations must first be endorsed by the DAR before being sent to Home Affairs. Approved changes are formalised through a deed of variation.

Paano Mag-aplay para sa isang Pagkakaiba-iba

Requests are submitted online to the East Kimberley DAR, which assesses eligibility before forwarding the request to the Department of Home Affairs. Detailed requirements are provided by the DAR to ensure applications are appropriately prepared.

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Pagsubok sa Merkado ng Paggawa (LMT) at Permanenteng Paninirahan

A significant advantage under the East Kimberley DAMA is the Labour Market Testing (LMT) concession for employers nominating workers for permanent residence through the ENS (subclass 186).

Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australian citizens before nominating overseas workers under the DAMA, ensuring that local workers are given priority for available positions.

When seeking DAR endorsement for a 186 nomination under a DAMA Labour Agreement, LMT evidence is not required. This streamlines one of the most time-consuming steps of the permanent residence process.

Why the East Kimberley DAMA is Important

The East Kimberley DAMA supports both employers and regional communities by offering sustainable workforce solutions across essential industries. Employers gain access to labour where it is urgently needed, while workers receive reliable employment opportunities — often with a pathway to permanent residency. Professional assistance is available to help employers and workers navigate the DAMA process, ensuring they understand requirements and complete applications effectively.

Given the region’s remote location and persistent skill shortages, the DAMA is essential for maintaining economic productivity in agriculture, tourism, trades, transport, and vital services. Training and workforce development programs play a key role in supporting the region's workforce, helping to address skill gaps and prepare employees for roles under the DAMA framework. The tailored concessions reflect a strong commitment to ensuring long-term population stability and workforce resilience across the East Kimberley.

For further information about the DAMA process, eligibility, and available support, employers and workers are encouraged to consult official resources or contact migration experts.

Paano Makakatulong ang Mga Abugado sa Migration ng Australia

Navigating the DAMA framework requires a clear understanding of endorsement processes, labour agreements, and visa compliance. Incorrect or incomplete applications can result in delays or refusals.

Ang mga Abugado sa Migrasyon ng Australia ay maaaring tumulong sa pamamagitan ng:

• Assessing your eligibility for the East Kimberley DAMA
• Preparing and lodging endorsement applications with the DAR
• Managing DAMA Labour Agreement applications and variation requests
• Advising on eligible occupations and available concessions
• Preparing TSS (subclass 482) and ENS (subclass 186) nominations
• Liaising with the DAR and the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf

Our experienced migration lawyers ensure your applications are accurate, compliant, and strategically prepared to maximise your workforce outcomes.

Get expert help from Australian Migration Lawyers to secure the skilled workers your business needs under the East Kimberley DAMA.

Frequently Asked Questions About the East Kimberley DAMA

Ano ang pangunahing bentahe ng isang Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) kumpara sa mga karaniwang programa ng skilled visa?

DAMAs offer greater flexibility in English requirements, age limits, and salary concessions, while providing access to a broader occupation list — critical for employers in remote regions like the East Kimberley.

Who can apply for the East Kimberley DAMA?

Only businesses operating within the East Kimberley region can apply. Employers must prove a genuine labour shortage and meet the DAR’s eligibility criteria.

Gaano katagal ang proseso ng pag-endorso?

Processing times vary depending on the complexity and completeness of the application. Most applications take several weeks. A well-prepared submission helps minimise delays.