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South-West WA DAMA
The Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a region-specific skilled migration initiative developed to help employers in Western Australia’s Goldfields address chronic labour shortages. First approved in 2019 and extended in subsequent years, the Goldfields DAMA enables eligible businesses to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for roles they cannot fill through local recruitment.
So, what exactly is the Goldfields DAMA?
It is a formal labour agreement between the Australian Government and the regional authorities of the Goldfields, allowing employers access to a broader set of occupations and visa concessions than those available through standard skilled migration programs.
Key Advantages of the Goldfields DAMA
More Than 100 Approved Occupations
The Goldfields DAMA provides access to an extensive occupation list that spans numerous industries, giving employers the ability to recruit talent across a wide range of skill levels.
Valuable Visa Concessions
The agreement offers several concessions—such as relaxed English language scores, increased age limits, and reduced work experience requirements—making it easier for employers to attract and retain the workers they need.
Permanent Residency Options
For eligible applicants, the Goldfields DAMA may also lead to Australian Permanent Residency, making it an appealing pathway for skilled migrants seeking long-term settlement.
Industries That Benefit from the Goldfields DAMA
The Goldfields region relies on a diverse workforce, and many industries face ongoing labour shortages. The DAMA is particularly beneficial for sectors such as:
Hospitality and tourism
Healthcare and aged care
Mining and resources
Agriculture and farming
Construction and infrastructure
These industries frequently require talent that cannot be sourced locally, making the DAMA a strategic workforce solution.
Participating Regions
The Goldfields DAMA covers businesses operating in the following local government areas:
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (also the Designated Area Representative – DAR)
Shire of Coolgardie
Shire of Dundas
Shire of Esperance
Shire of Leonora
Shire of Menzies
Shire of Laverton
Shire of Ravensthorpe
Employers within these regions can access the DAMA to help fill ongoing skill gaps.
How to Apply for the Goldfields DAMA
To participate in the Goldfields DAMA program, employers must follow these steps:
Apply for Endorsement
The employer must first seek endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the regional authority managing the program.Lodge a Labour Agreement Request
After endorsement, the employer submits a Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs.Nominate Eligible Occupations
Once the agreement is approved, businesses can nominate workers for occupations listed under the Goldfields DAMA, provided they have demonstrated genuine attempts to recruit Australian workers first.
Start your Goldfields DAMAVisa
The Goldfields DAMA offers a long-term, flexible migration solution for businesses needing skilled labour and for migrants seeking meaningful career opportunities in regional Western Australia.
FAQs – Goldfields DAMA
It is a regional labour agreement allowing employers in the Goldfields region to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations facing labour shortages.
The DAMA includes more than 100 approved occupations across multiple industries such as mining, hospitality, construction, and healthcare.
Concessions may include relaxed English requirements, extended age limits, and reduced work experience criteria, depending on the occupation.
Participating areas include Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie, Dundas, Esperance, Leonora, Menzies, Laverton, and Ravensthorpe.
Yes. Many occupations under the Goldfields DAMA provide a structured pathway to Permanent Residency for eligible workers.
Employers must secure endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, request a Labour Agreement from the Department of Home Affairs, and nominate eligible occupations after demonstrating local recruitment efforts.
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LOOKING FOR VISA OPTIONS?
Complete the form below & one of our team members will be in touch.