What is the new Western Australia DAMA?

The Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) is a tailored visa program designed to address critical skill shortages across Western Australia. It is a collaborative initiative between the Australian Government and designated area representatives, providing businesses with streamlined access to overseas workers in industries where local labour supply cannot meet demand.

The WA DAMA allows employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers under more flexible conditions than standard skilled migration pathways. Key features include concessions on English language requirements, reduced income thresholds, and expanded occupation lists, making it an attractive solution for regional employers. Additionally, it offers pathways to permanent residency, incentivizing long-term workforce stability in these communities.

Western Australia’s vast geographic diversity and unique economic landscape make the WA DAMA vital for industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and hospitality. By addressing regional disparities in workforce availability, the agreement supports local businesses, strengthens regional economies, and ensures the sustainability of critical services.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we are experienced in assisting individuals and businesses alike use DAMAs like this one for their migration needs. From initial application to visa grant, our knowledgeable lawyers help nominating employers and applicants alike navigate Australia’s immigration process with ease and confidence. For tailored advice based on your situation, or for more information, contact us today!

Which other WA regions are covered under a DAMA?

There are currently four key DAMA regions in Western Australia, the Goldfields, the South-West, the Pilbara, the Kimberly and the new state wide Western Australian DAMA.

Goldfields DAMA

The Goldfields DAMA focuses on addressing workforce shortages in the Goldfields-Esperance region, a key hub for Western Australia’s mining industry. This agreement supports industries such as mining, construction, healthcare, and tourism by offering flexible migration pathways to skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.

Kimberley DAMA

The Kimberley DAMA addresses workforce needs in the Kimberley region, a remote area known for its stunning landscapes and unique cultural heritage. This agreement supports key industries such as agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and retail by providing pathways for employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers. The Kimberley DAMA is critical for filling roles in sectors like cattle farming, hospitality, and aged care.

South West DAMA

The South West DAMA covers a thriving area that includes Bunbury and Busselton, renowned for tourism and wine production. This agreement is designed to support industries such as hospitality, viticulture, healthcare, and construction. The South West DAMA helps maintain growth in these sectors and meets the increasing demand for services driven by the region's expanding economy.

Pilbara DAMA

The Pilbara DAMA is vital for sustaining the workforce of one of Australia’s most resource-intensive regions. The Pilbara relies heavily on industries such as mining, oil and gas, construction, and logistics. This agreement addresses acute labour shortages in these fields, ensuring the continued success of the region’s resource-driven economy while supporting associated industries and community services.

What is the new Western Australian DAMA?

Western Australia DAMA

The new Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement (WA DAMA) is the fifth for WA and is unique in the fact that it is available to employers state-wide across both metropolitan and regional areas. It operates alongside other DAMAs in WA that serve particular regional areas, such as the Goldfields, Kimberley, Pilbara and South West and will complement the existing DAMAs and support the whole state.

For occupations located within the designated areas of an active DAMA region, you should continue to apply directly to the respective DAR for endorsement to employ skilled migrants. Each regional DAMA has a unique list of eligible occupations tailored to meet the specific workforce needs of the area

If the nominated occupation you are seeking to fill is not available through your local regional DAMA, but the occupation is available under the WA DAMA, you can apply directly to Migration Services for endorsement under the WA DAMA. This provision ensures that businesses have access to a broader range of occupations to support their individual workforce needs.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for endorsement through the WA DAMA nominating businesses must meet the Western Australian DAMA Employer eligibility and criteria.

The onus and responsibility is on the business to provide all requested supporting evidence to enable Migration Services to assess an Endorsement application.

1. Business is legally established and currently operating in Western Australia
2. Business is actively operating for more than 12 months and is financially viable
3. Business has no previous adverse findings, including investigation, convictions, finding of non-compliance, administrative actions or legal proceedings relating to a Federal, State or Territory law
4. Business is a verified employer accessing the WA Skilled Migration Employment Register (SMER)
5. Business must demonstrate that there is a genuine need for additional skilled migrants and the need is based on current workforce structure and future economic activity
6. Details of each position being requested for Endorsement
7. Evidence the terms and conditions of employment for the nominated positions are/will be no less favourable than those provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident undertaking the same (or similar) position in the same location
8. Evidence that there are no Australian citizens or permanent residents able to fill the position in the location specified by undertaking sufficient Labour market testing (LMT)

Which visas are available under the WA DAMA?

The WA DAMA enables eligible businesses in Western Australia, who are unable to recruit appropriately qualified Australians, to supplement their workforce with skilled migrants through three visa pathways:

• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa;
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa; or
• Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visa

Does the WA DAMA offer a path to Permanent Residency?

Yes, the Western Australian Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) can provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers. Each of the DAMA regions in Western Australia - the Goldfields, Kimberley, South West, Pilbara and Western Australia - includes provisions that allow certain visa holders to transition to permanent residency after meeting specific criteria.

The pathway to permanent residency is a key feature of DAMAs, designed to attract workers willing to commit to long-term employment in regional areas. This benefits both employers, who gain workforce stability, and regional communities, which benefit from population growth and economic sustainability. While not all occupations and workers are eligible for permanent residency, the DAMA framework offers an invaluable opportunity for many skilled migrants to build a future in Western Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the state-wide DAMA different from the existing DAMAs?

Unlike the regional-specific DAMAs (Goldfields, Kimberley, South West, Pilbara), the state-wide DAMA is not restricted to specific areas or industries. It provides a unified framework that covers all eligible regions and occupations across Western Australia, simplifying access for businesses.

How much does it cost?

Migration Services do not currently charge a fee for an Employer Endorsement Application to access the WA DAMA. The relevant charges with the WA DAMA process are associated with the visa application fees.

What industries does the state-wide DAMA target?

The state-wide DAMA supports a range of industries, including mining, agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and tourism. It aims to address skills shortages in both metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia.

Are FIFO positions eligible under this DAMA?

No, fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) positions cannot be considered under the WA DAMA

Who can access the new DAMA?

Employers located in Western Australia can apply for endorsement under the DAMA if they can demonstrate genuine labour shortages and an inability to fill positions with Australian workers.

Does the state-wide DAMA provide a pathway to permanent residency?

Yes, the state-wide DAMA includes pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers. After meeting the required work and visa criteria, workers can transition to permanent visas such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).

What concessions are available under the state-wide DAMA?

The DAMA offers several concessions to streamline the process, including lower English proficiency requirements for specific roles, reduced Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) to reflect regional market conditions, and flexibility for workers close to the standard age cut-off for permanent residency pathways.

Conclusion

The Western Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) presents a valuable opportunity for employers to address skill shortages in regional areas by accessing overseas talent. The DAMA provides greater flexibility with visa conditions and offers pathways for skilled workers in industries ranging from agriculture to healthcare.

However, navigating the application process requires careful planning and compliance with both federal and state regulations. Employers considering using the DAMA should consult an Australian Migration Lawyer to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and maximise the benefits of the agreement.

If you’re looking to expand your workforce through the DAMA or wish to explore your immigration options in Australia, reach out to us at Australian Migration Lawyers to learn more about how we can assist in securing the right talent for your business or guide you through your immigration journey.