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DAMA Queensland
The Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialised migration framework created to help regional employers fill workforce shortages across designated communities in Queensland. Through this program, eligible businesses can sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations that cannot be sourced from the local labour market.
The program is managed in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, and is designed to support regional development, strengthen local industries, and address ongoing skill shortages throughout Queensland.
Active DAMA Regions in Queensland
Queensland currently operates two regional DAMAs, each tailored to the workforce needs of its designated area:
1. Far North Queensland DAMA (FNQ DAMA)
Covers Cairns and surrounding regional zones. It supports industries such as tourism, hospitality, agriculture, health, and transport.
2. Townsville DAMA
Designed for Townsville and nearby regions, focusing on industrial, manufacturing, services, and infrastructure-driven sectors.
Both of these DAMAs grant access to a larger pool of occupations than those found on standard skilled occupation lists and offer more flexible visa concessions.
Key Concessions and Benefits Under Queensland DAMAs
Queensland DAMA applicants may receive concessions in areas such as:
Lower English language requirements
Reduced work experience thresholds
Higher age limits (often up to 55 years)
TSMIT (salary) concessions for eligible occupations
These concessions make the DAMA program more adaptable and responsive to regional workforce needs.
Employers participating in the program must first obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for their DAMA region.
Once endorsed, they can nominate overseas workers under visa subclasses such as:
Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) – applicable in certain cases
Many of these visa pathways also lead to Permanent Residency, offering long-term settlement opportunities for skilled workers.
Start Filling Your Workforce Needs in Queensland
If your business is experiencing skill shortages in regional Queensland, the DAMA program provides a structured and flexible migration pathway.
Go Global Immigration supports both employers and skilled migrants by simplifying the endorsement, labour agreement, and visa process.
Contact our experienced team today and take the first step toward strengthening your workforce under the Queensland DAMA.
FAQs – Goldfields DAMA
The Queensland DAMA aims to help regional employers address labour shortages by enabling them to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.
Eligible employers in designated Queensland regions and skilled overseas workers with a job offer in an approved occupation can apply.
Common visa options include Subclass 482, Subclass 494, and in some cases, Subclass 186 for permanent residency.
Yes. Concessions may include age flexibility, reduced English language requirements, lower work experience thresholds, and salary concessions.
Each DAMA region maintains its own approved occupation list, available through official FNQ DAMA and Townsville DAMA portals.
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.