What is a DAMA?
DAMA’s are a Region Specific Labour Agreement which allow employers to nominate staff for their business. Using either the Subclass 482, 494 or 186 Visas and occupations specific to that DAMA Region can be used to fill your vacancies with the right people. The occupations are ‘region demand driven’ and include Agricultural Workers, Semi Skilled person within the Building and Service trades as well as administrative workers.
DAMA Agreements in Western Australia
Western Australia has five (5) DAMA Agreements. The Regional DAMAs covering the South-West, Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance and the Kimberley. The newer WA DAMA covers Perth and all other parts of Western Australia. Local DAMA Authorities exist in the Regions. WA DAMA applications are lodged with the WA Migration Office through the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Once approved by the DAMA Authority, the applications are formalised by the Department of Home Affairs Labour Agreement Section.
We specialise in the DAMA Process and take control of it from the beginning to end. With extensive experience in DAMA’s we know the steps and requirements for all of the WA DAMA programs.
The Major Benefits – DAMA Concessions
Age – applicants can be up to 50 or 55 years of age depending on the DAMA and the occupation.
Skills & Qualifications – Only 1 year for a 482 Visa and 2 Years for 494/186 Visas
Occupations Not in ANZSCO – all DAMA’s have their specific occupations lists with occupations ranging from Levels 1-8. These include many semi-skilled occupations suited for the needs of the designated area – which are otherwise not found in the Department of Home Affairs or State Government visa occupation lists.
English – Can be 1 Level Lower than regular visa requirements where a language concession is available
Skill Assessments – Specific skill assessment based on DAMA Requirements rather than general visa requirements (a lower burden of evidence in some cases)
TISMIT Concession – Some occupations may attract a Salary Concession – usually 10 Percent of TISMIT – for either gross salary or benefit
Restrictions and Differences.
It should be noted that the WA DAMA only allows applicants to apply for a Subclass 482 in the first instance. Once an applicant holds a 482 Visa granted under the WA DAMA they then become eligible for a Provisional or Permanent Visa.
Permanent Residency And PR Pathways
The DAMA Advantage – Greater Flexibility For Employers to choose the staff that best fit there true workplace needs and values including many semi-skilled occupations for which genuine shortages exist. Employers can use a DAMA to secure staff through the Subclass 482 to Permanent Residence Pathway Subclass 186 or use the Subclass 494 to secure staff for 3 years or more or offer existing employees the reward of Permanent Residency.
What to know more?
Contact Us For A Personalised Discussion About Your Foreign Staff Needs and How a DAMA can Help You.