Great South Coast DAMA extended for another year
The Great South Coast Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been extended for another year, offering continued support to South West employers facing local labour shortages. This extension provides businesses across the region with access to a broader range of occupations and an increased number of places for sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
Continued access to skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers
The Great South Coast DAMA enables employers to sponsor workers in occupations that have been challenging to fill locally. With the extension, up to 300 workers can now be endorsed under the DAMA, filling roles across more than 120 occupations, including critical sectors such as accounting, hospitality, trades, healthcare, and agriculture.
Employer endorsement process and critical skills priority
Endorsement applications for the Great South Coast DAMA remain open at all times. Employers seeking to sponsor overseas workers must apply for endorsement through the designated area representative (DAR), with guidance available to navigate the process.
Employers should be aware that the Department of Home Affairs prioritises occupations listed under the critical skills and sectors framework, which includes areas such as medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering, mining, supply chain logistics, agricultural technology, food production, and the maritime industry.
Expanded permanent residency pathways for visa holders
The DAMA framework includes access to two key visa pathways: the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa.
Notably, the eligibility period for subclass 482 visa holders to transition to permanent residency has been reduced from three years to two years of employment with a sponsoring employer. Subclass 494 visa holders remain eligible to transition after three years. These pathways offer greater certainty for both employers and overseas workers, enhancing the region’s ability to attract and retain talent.
Strong local business and community support
The extension of the Great South Coast DAMA reflects strong support from the regional business community, which has actively embraced the opportunities the program provides.
The previous DAMA allocation of 100 endorsed workers per year was consistently filled, demonstrating the region’s significant demand for skilled workers. Workers hired through the DAMA have already made important contributions to the region’s economy, supporting industries vital to South West’s ongoing growth and resilience.
Employers seeking to fill vacancies with skilled or semi-skilled overseas workers are encouraged to engage with the Great South Coast DAMA endorsement process early to take advantage of the increased occupation list and expanded number of available places.
How Absolute Immigration Legal can support your business
Navigating the Great South Coast DAMA framework, from securing endorsement to sponsoring skilled workers, requires careful planning and compliance with migration regulations.
At Absolute Immigration Legal, we provide expert assistance to South West employers, helping you access skilled and semi-skilled talent through the DAMA, supporting your workforce needs, and guiding you through each step toward permanent residency pathways.
For personalised assistance, contact us at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com