DAMA Queensland
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The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for Queensland is a region-specific skilled migration pathway. It permits employers in designated parts of the state to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill locally.
It is operated under the guidance of the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. This agreement is customized to assist regional development, economic growth, and critical labour shortages across various Queensland communities.
There are currently two DAMAs that are active in Queensland. They are:-
- Far North Queensland DAMA (FNQ DAMA)– It covers areas like Cairns and surrounding regional zones.
- Townsville DAMA- It focuses on the industrial and services sectors of the Townsville regions.
These agreements offer access to a broader range of occupations (including those not on standard skilled occupation lists). They also provide flexible concessions on the following criteria:-
- English language requirements
- Work experience
- Age limits (up to 55 years in many cases)
- Salary thresholds (TSMIT concessions)
Employers who are looking to hire under a DAMA must apply for endorsement through their region’s Designated Area Representative (DAR). Once they are endorsed, they can sponsor foreign workers under visa subclasses such as 482 (TSS visa), 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and in some cases, 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme). Many of these even offer options of permanent residency.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the DAMA program in Queensland?
The DAMA program addresses regional skill shortages. It does so by permitting employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles they can’t fill locally.
Who can apply under the FNQ DAMA or Townsville DAMA?
Only employers who are operating within the designated regions and who are endorsed by the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR) can apply to sponsor overseas workers.
What are the visa options available under Queensland DAMAs?
Eligible employers can access visa subclasses 482 (TSS), 494 (SESR), and in some cases 186 (ENS). Many of these even provide pathways to permanent residency.
Do Queensland DAMAs include concessions for overseas workers?
Yes. They include concessions on age, English language proficiency, work experience, and minimum salary thresholds. All of such concessions are dependent on the occupation and DAMA region.
Where can I find the list of eligible occupations under Queensland DAMAs?
Each DAMA maintains its own occupation list. You can view the latest eligible roles through the official FNQ DAMA and Townsville DAMA occupation lists.