In this blog, we will be talking about the recent updates regarding the South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).
So first let's look at what is a South Australian DAMA? South Australian DAMA is a formal agreement between the Australian Government, represented by the Department of Home Affairs, and the South Australian Government, Department for Industry, Innovation, and Science.
The DAMAs enable South Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Employers experiencing skills and labor shortages can apply for endorsement to enter into a DAMA labor agreement. This enables them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers with more flexible requirements than are available via the standard skilled visa programs.
There are currently two agreements in place: the Adelaide City Agreement and the South Australian Agreement.
Adelaide City Agreement: The Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been designed to address skills shortages across the Adelaide Metropolitan region. This DAMA is for South Australian local employers to sponsor overseas workers in the defense, space, and advanced manufacturing and technology industries with the ability to access and retain a highly skilled workforce.
South Australian Agreement: The South Australian Regional Workforce Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been designed to address skills shortages across the entire state of South Australia.
In the recent update:
128 new job categories have been added to the SA Regional DAMA, spanning various sectors including construction, trades, agribusiness, ICT, health, education, and renewable energy.
The DAMAs have been extended through June 30, 2025. Notably, the SA Regional DAMA now allows for a significantly increased nomination ceiling, rising from 750 to 2000 nomination places each year.
The option for permanent residency remains available for visa holders under both DAMAs.
Additionally, South Australia continues to offer several concessions including an age concession up to 55 years, a 10% reduction in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), and concessions for English proficiency and work experience requirements.
However, the occupations of Grape Grower (121215), Actors, Dancers, and other Entertainers (211999), and Dancer or Choreographer (211112) have been excluded from the DAMAs list.
The South Australian Government will be the skills assessing authority for occupations that lack an alternative assessing body."
Let's have a look at a few occupations on the DAMA list to understand the requirements:
There are also some NON ANZSCO occupations, and let's look at one example.
Some occupations are only available in Greater Adelaide.
If you are working in one of the occupations on the DAMA list and have an employer who is ready to sponsor you, you can book a consultation. You can also invite your employer to attend the meeting with us so we can explain the requirements in detail.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.
If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
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