Australia’s Regional Visa programs, such as DAMAs (Designated Area Migration Agreements), are designed to support regional employers when standard employer-sponsored migration pathways are limited.  They offer targeted solutions for attracting and retaining talent for hard-to-fill roles—especially those excluded from mainstream visa options.

Written by Sheila Woods (MARN: 0533879) of Interstaff  27 February 2026

At the recent SA HR Leadership Summit, Interstaff’s Managing Director, Sheila Woods, explored how regional migration pathways can strengthen workforce strategy. Here are our insights.

What is a DAMA?

A DAMA is a type of Labour Agreement negotiated between the Commonwealth Government and a Designated Area Representative, such as a shire council or state or regional authority.

It is tailored to the region’s unique labour demands.

Where is ‘Regional’ Australia?

DAMAs operate in specific regions of Australia—typically a State or Territory or local shire region.

However, in general, all of Australia is considered ‘Regional’, except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This broad definition opens the program to employers across most of the country.

Employers operating in regions covered by a DAMA may be able to access DAMA concessions and occupations to sponsor overseas workers.

Explore the Regional Migration program in our visa summaries.

DAMA Labour Agreements currently in place: 

• Western Australia – Explore WA DAMA
• Goldfields, WA
• Pilbara, WA
• South West, WA
• East Kimberley, WA
• Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation Advancement), SA
• South Australia Regional, SA
• Townsville, QLD
• Far North Queensland, QLD
• Goulburn Valley, VIC
• Great South Coast, VIC
• Northern Territory, NT
• Orana, NSW

Speak to Interstaff about DAMAs

Why consider regional DAMA options?

In instances where the standard program does not meet business needs and limits workforce capability, employers should consider using the regional migration program.

Regional migration processes, particularly DAMAs, may require more planning and additional steps with state or regional authorities.

However, the program does provide several benefits:

• Priority processing: Regional migration is prioritised according to a Ministerial Direction
• Access to occupations not available in Standard Occupation Lists
• DAMA concessions for English, salary and work experience
• Certainty of a Permanent Residence (PR) pathway with age concessions (via DAMAs)
• Costs: Subclass 494 Regional Visa pathway to PR can be more cost-effective than via the 482 Visa to 186 Visa pathway

Comparing programs: Standard and Regional DAMA

Standard Program Visas: 482, 494, 186 Availability: All of Australia Eligibility: Set out in legislation Via Standard Business or Permanent Sponsorship Occupations: Standard lists Salary: Thresholds English: Standard PR Age Limit: 45 with limited exemptions

DAMA Program Visas: 482, 494, 186 Availability: Regional Australia Eligibility: Set out in Labour Agreement Via DAMA Labour Agreement Occupations: Bespoke lists Salary: Concessions English: Concessions PR Age Limit: Concessions to 50 or 55

Established in 1988, Interstaff has over 35 years of Australian visa and migration experience and provides strategic immigration advice to businesses and individuals Australia-wide and internationally. MARN: 0533879.