Designated Area Migration Agreement NT: What You Need to Know
The Northern Territory of Australia is a vast and sparsely populated region that attracts both international and domestic migrants. While the region offers a unique lifestyle and a range of economic opportunities, it also faces a range of challenges in terms of workforce shortages and population growth.
One tool designed to address these challenges is the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). DAMAs are region-based agreements that allow employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas to fill skills shortages that cannot be met by local residents.
The Northern Territory is one of several regions in Australia to have a DAMA in place. The Northern Territory DAMA is divided into two streams: the NT DAMA I and NT DAMA II. The NT DAMA I was introduced in 2015 and was renewed in 2018. The NT DAMA II was introduced in 2019 and is in place until 2023. Both DAMAs are designed to support economic growth in the Northern Territory and improve opportunities for migrants and residents alike.
The NT DAMA I covers a range of occupations, including hospitality, agriculture, construction and childcare. The NT DAMA II is more extensive, covering a range of skill levels and occupations across multiple industries. Both DAMAs are designed to support employers in the Northern Territory to fill vacancies that cannot be filled by local residents, and to support the growth of the Northern Territory economy.
One of the key benefits of the DAMA is that it allows employers to sponsor workers for visas that are not available through the standard visa system. This includes the temporary skilled shortage visa (subclass 482) and the employer nomination scheme visa (subclass 186). DAMA visa holders enjoy a range of benefits, including the ability to bring their families with them, access to Medicare (Australia`s national healthcare system), and access to social security benefits.
To be eligible for sponsorship under the NT DAMA, workers must meet a range of criteria, including having the necessary qualifications and skills for the position, meeting English language requirements, and meeting character and health requirements. Employers must also meet a range of criteria, including demonstrating that they have a genuine need for the worker and that they are unable to fill the position with a local resident.
In summary, the Designated Area Migration Agreement NT is a valuable tool for addressing workforce shortages and supporting economic growth in the Northern Territory. Employers in the Northern Territory can benefit from the ability to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas, while migrant workers can enjoy a range of benefits and opportunities to build a new life in Australia`s Top End.