A revised Designated Area Migration Agreement helps employers hire skilled migrants. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
A new version of a Northern Territory Government policy provides access to skilled labour for employers needing to plug gaps in their workforce.
The third iteration of the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA III) expands the number of approved nominations per year for foreign labour on a Skills in Demand or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa from 625 to 1500. The policy will operate until 30 June, 2030. Under the previous DAMA, 135 occupations were available.
The policy is an agreement between the Territory and Federal governments, and 13 DAMAs are currently in place across the nation.
“Territory businesses experiencing critical skill shortages will now have access to more places and more occupations under the new and improved DAMA III,” Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill said.
“DAMA III provides greater access to migrants and a streamlined process for people wanting to live and stay in the Northern Territory.”
The policy seeks to help with the shortage of workers in a more flexible and direct way than standard migration programs targeted at skilled workers.
Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite said: “The Albanese Government is supporting NT businesses to secure the workers they need to grow their businesses and thrive.
“At the same time, we make sure that workers are paid fairly with decent wages and conditions to participate in Top End communities.
“We have worked with the NT Government to develop an agreement that will support business growth, fair worker conditions and growth in the NT economy.”
The government said the revised policy would also align with state and territory migration plans.
