Far North Queensland DAMA: A Guide for Employers

The Far North Queensland (FNQ) Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and the region’s Designated Area Representative (DAR), providing employers across this diverse and economically vital region of Australia a targeted migration pathway to address persistent labour shortages. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce acts as the DAR, playing a key role in supporting commerce and endorsing applications with valuable local knowledge. The FNQ DAMA is designed to respond to specific labour market conditions and skills shortages in the region, allowing local businesses to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers where local labour is not available. The agreement covers various shires and municipalities within FNQ, ensuring regional needs are met.

If your business in FNQ is struggling to recruit locally, whether due to seasonal demand, skill gaps, or ongoing workforce shortages and needs workers with the right skills, the FNQ DAMA provides a practical, flexible solution for local businesses. It offers generous visa concessions and a wider range of occupations compared with standard skilled visa programs, helping employers attract and retain the labour they need to remain operational and competitive. The DAMA process involves several stages, from initial assessment to endorsement and visa application. There are also resources available to help employers navigate the DAMA and address their skilled labour needs.

What is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal partnership between the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs) and a regional authority known as the Designated Area Representative (DAR). Together, they create a two-tiered framework that allows employers in specific regional areas to sponsor overseas workers in circumstances where suitable local applicants are not available.

To start the DAMA process, employers must gain access to the agreement by contacting the DAR and seeking endorsement for each position sought. This involves submitting details about the specific position they are looking to fill and paying the required endorsement fee per position sought. Other fees may also apply at different stages of the process, such as application fees and charges for nominating overseas workers. The roles sought must meet eligibility criteria, and seeking endorsement is a key initial step.

DAMAs are particularly valuable for regional and remote communities. Common concessions available through a DAMA include:

• Reduced English language requirements
• Higher age limits for certain occupations
• Discounts to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
• Expanded occupation lists, including positions unavailable under standard skilled migration

The Far North Queensland DAMA gives employers access to a skilled workforce that may otherwise be out of reach, supporting business continuity and regional growth. Once approved, the labour agreement is valid for a specified period, typically five years.

The Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement

The Far North Queensland DAMA is tailored to the workforce needs of an expansive region that includes Cairns, the Torres Strait, Cape York, the Gulf Savannah, and surrounding communities. Its role is to support the region’s economic strength by addressing labour shortages across key industries. For comparison, other regional DAMAs such as the one managed by Townsville Enterprise also address similar workforce needs in their respective areas.

Industries commonly benefiting include:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Agriculture and aquaculture
• Transport, logistics, and aviation
• Construction and trades
• Aged care, healthcare, and community services

The DAMA is managed by the appointed Designated Area Representative (DAR), which in Far North Queensland is the Cairns Chamber, also known as the Cairns Chamber of Commerce. The DAR is responsible for assessing and endorsing employers before they can apply for a labour agreement. When applying, it is crucial to provide comprehensive details, including occupation details, concession specifics, and all supporting documents, to ensure a complete and successful application process. Commerce members of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce may receive preferential rates or privileges during the endorsement process, while non members are typically subject to higher fees or different procedures.

The DAMA Visa Programs and Permanent Residence

The Far North Queensland DAMA uses specific visas available under the Labour Agreement stream, allowing employers to use employer sponsorship to recruit and employ overseas workers and, in many cases, offer a pathway to a permanent visa.

Employers may use the following visas:

• Skill in Demand Visa (subclass 482): Allows employers to fill immediate labour shortages temporarily. DAMA-endorsed occupations may benefit from concessions related to age (including an age concession for certain applicants), English, and salary. Many eligible DAMA 482 visa holders who are employed in Far North Queensland may transition to permanent residence or a permanent visa more quickly.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): A regional visa offering long-term employment opportunities in Far North Queensland for employed skilled workers.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): Provides a pathway to a permanent visa, typically after an eligible period of employment under a DAMA 482 or 494 visa.

The clear and achievable pathway to a permanent visa helps attract committed and long-term employed staff which is a major advantage for employers in remote or hard-to-staff areas.

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Employer Endorsement and DAMA Labour Agreements

Before using the FNQ DAMA, employers must secure endorsement from the Far North Queensland DAR. This step ensures businesses meet eligibility requirements, including demonstrating:

• Business operations within the Far North Queensland DAMA region
• Financial viability
• Genuine local labour shortages, taking into account current labour market conditions
• At least 12 months of lawful operation
• The need for specific skills that cannot be sourced locally, as required for endorsement

Applying for a Labour Agreement

Once endorsed, employers can apply to the Department of Home Affairs for a DAMA Labour Agreement. The application process involves several stages, including endorsement for each position sought. Each position refers to a specific role or occupation that the employer is seeking approval for under the FNQ DAMA, and fees apply per position sought. This agreement formalises:

• The occupations and positions approved for sponsorship
• The employer’s ceiling (maximum number of workers)
• The specific concessions available

A DAMA Labour Agreement can allow employers to:

• Sponsor workers across a wider range of occupations and positions
• Access concessions to English, age, and salary thresholds
• Access a clear permanent residence pathway via the ENS (subclass 186)

Once approved, the DAMA Labour Agreement is valid for up to five years.

Variation Requests and Employer Ceilings

As workforce needs evolve, employers may need to request changes to their labour agreement. This is known as a Variation Request and may be required to:

• Add or remove occupations
• Increase or decrease the number of approved positions
• Nominate an existing TSS (482) visa holder for permanent residence via the ENS (186)

When submitting a variation request, employers must provide comprehensive details, including specific information about the requested changes, supporting documents, occupation details, and concession specifics to ensure clarity and completeness.

Variation requests must first be assessed and endorsed by the DAR before being forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs. Employers can access various resources to assist with preparing and submitting variation requests. Once approved, the Department issues a deed of variation to both the employer and the DAR.

How to Apply for a Variation

Employers seeking endorsement for a variation must submit a request to the Far North Queensland DAR using the approved online process. When seeking endorsement, employers should be aware that an endorsement fee is required as part of the application. The DAR assesses the request and, if satisfied, refers it to the Department of Home Affairs for final approval.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) and Permanent Residence

A key benefit of using the Far North Queensland DAMA is the concession relating to Labour Market Testing (LMT), which gives priority to regional employers in addressing local skills shortages.

When nominating a worker for the ENS (subclass 186) under a DAMA Labour Agreement, employers are not required to provide LMT evidence as part of the DAR endorsement process.

This simplifies and accelerates the permanent residence pathway for eligible DAMA workers, allowing them to progress towards a permanent visa after meeting the required criteria.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Why the Far North Queensland DAMA is Important

The FNQ DAMA supports both employers and the wider community by ensuring critical industries remain staffed and productive. For employers, the FNQ DAMA provides access to overseas workers with the right skills, who are qualified, committed, and willing to remain long-term. This is especially important when local recruitment options have been exhausted and skills shortages persist. For workers, it offers reliable employment in a dynamic region — often with a clear path to permanent residency.

Given the region’s geographic size, seasonal workforce needs, and persistent skills shortages, the FNQ DAMA is vital to maintaining stability in agriculture, tourism, construction, transport, and essential services.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

The DAMA process involves meeting strict eligibility criteria, preparing detailed documents, and navigating approvals from both the DAR and the Department of Home Affairs. Mistakes or omissions can result in delays or refusals.

Australian Migration Lawyers can assist employers across Australia by:

• Assessing your eligibility for the Far North Queensland DAMA
• Providing resources to help you understand employer sponsorship, visa pathways, and supporting tools
• Guiding you through all stages of the DAMA process, from initial assessment to final visa applications
• Preparing and managing endorsement applications
• Drafting and lodging DAMA Labour Agreements and variation requests
• Advising on eligible occupations and concessions for your business
• Preparing TSS (482) and ENS (186) nominations under the agreement
• Communicating with the DAR and Department of Home Affairs on your behalf

Our team ensures your application is compliant, accurate, and strategically prepared to support your workforce needs at every stage.

Get expert guidance from Australian Migration Lawyers to secure skilled workers under the Far North Queensland DAMA and strengthen your long-term workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Far North Queensland DAMA

What is the main advantage of a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) over standard skilled visa programs?

DAMAs provide more flexibility through concessions to age, English language requirements, and salary levels, while offering access to a wider occupation list — all of which benefit employers in regional areas like Far North Queensland.

Who can apply for the Far North Queensland DAMA?

Only businesses operating within the Far North Queensland DAMA region are eligible. Employers must demonstrate a genuine labour shortage and meet the DAR’s suitability criteria.

How long does the endorsement process take?

Processing times vary depending on the quality and complexity of your application. Most endorsements take several weeks. Submitting a complete and well-prepared application helps prevent unnecessary delays.