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DAMA New South Wales
The New South Wales Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) provides a specialised pathway for regional employers to address critical workforce shortages and for skilled overseas workers to access flexible sponsorship and visa options.
This tailored migration program supports the unique labour demands of regional NSW, offering concessions and opportunities not available through standard skilled migration routes.
What Is DAMA NSW?
DAMA NSW refers to region-specific agreements within New South Wales that allow employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers for occupations where local recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful.
These agreements are established between the Australian Government and designated regional authorities.
At present, NSW has one active DAMA:
Orana DAMA (Central Northern NSW)
This program serves the Orana region and provides a structured sponsorship pathway for both employers and overseas applicants.
Core Features of the NSW DAMA
Broader Occupation Access
Employers can sponsor workers across roles not included on the standard skilled occupation lists.Valuable Visa Concessions
Concessions may apply to:English language requirements
Work experience
Age limits
Salary thresholds (TSMIT)
Long-Term Visa Options
DAMA visas may be granted for up to 5 years, with a clear transition pathway to Permanent Residency.Employer-Driven Framework
DAMA NSW streamlines recruitment for industries facing shortfalls, helping businesses maintain productivity and growth.
Eligible Regions Under NSW DAMA
1. Orana Region (Primary DAMA Area)
Includes towns such as:
Dubbo
Mudgee
Wellington
Coonabarabran
Key industries supported include:
Health and aged care
Agriculture and farming
Construction, trades, and civil works
Hospitality and tourism
Automotive, transport, logistics
To access the full occupation list, refer to the official Orana DAMA Occupation List.
Extended Coverage – NSW Regions Now Included Under the Orana DAMA
The Orana DAMA has been expanded to cover additional regions across NSW, allowing more employers and skilled workers to benefit from the program.
Newly Added Regions Include:
Central West NSW
Bathurst, Orange, Lithgow
Southern Inland NSW
Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Cooma
Murray Region
Albury, Deniliquin
Riverina Region
Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Leeton
This expansion reflects rising demand for skilled labour across a broader section of regional NSW and offers uniform access to DAMA concessions and occupation lists.
Why This Extension Matters
Employers across these regions gain:
Access to an expanded occupation list aligned with regional skill gaps
Age, English, salary, and work experience concessions
A 5-year Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa option
Clear pathways to Australian Permanent Residency
Support for workforce development in top industries such as agriculture, aged care, construction, manufacturing, and transport
Skilled overseas workers benefit from improved sponsorship options across more regional NSW communities.
Start Your DAMA NSW Journey
Whether you are a regional NSW employer seeking to fill staffing shortages or a skilled migrant exploring sponsorship opportunities, Go Global Immigration is here to support your DAMA application from start to finish.
Our DAMA specialists help with eligibility assessments, endorsement preparation, labour agreement guidance, and visa lodgement.
Take the first step toward your DAMA NSW pathway today.
FAQs – DAMA New South Wales
The expanded coverage includes the Orana region as well as Central West, Southern Inland, Murray, and Riverina regions of NSW.
Any employer located in an eligible DAMA region who demonstrates genuine local recruitment efforts and meets endorsement criteria may apply.
Which visas are available under the NSW DAMA?
Visa options include the Temporary Skill Shortage (482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494), and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) pathways.
Concessions may include relaxed English language requirements, age flexibility, TSMIT concessions, and reduced experience thresholds depending on the occupation.
No. DAMA visa holders must live and work within the specific designated region covered by their DAMA Labour Agreement.
Get in Touch with Us
If you wish to know more details regarding the visa services Go Global Immigration Advisors offers, visit our office to have a chat with our migration experts or fill out the form below so one of our team members will get in touch with you.
We look forward to assisting you with pursuing your dream.
LOOKING FOR VISA OPTIONS?
Complete the form below & one of our team members will be in touch.