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"New Australia Visa Pathway Under Designated Area Migration Agreement to Bring 1,500 Overseas Workers Annually to NT Until 2030"
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Australia’s Northern Territory Introduces Updated Designated Area Migration Agreement(DAMA) Visa Program
The Northern Territory (NT) government has announced Australia’s third Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), set to commence on 19 March 2025. This five-year initiative, active until 30 June 2030, will allow NT employers to sponsor 1,500 overseas workers annually to fill critical shortages in sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and hospitality.
NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler highlighted the program’s alignment with national priorities: “This DAMA ensures Australia’s Northern Territory can remain competitive by addressing skills gaps that hinder growth, while still prioritizing jobs for locals.”
Key Features of Australia’s Northern Territory DAMA Visa Program
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) targets roles like aged care nurses, electricians, and engineers, with streamlined visa processing and pathways to permanent residency. Employers must demonstrate efforts to hire Australians first and provide overseas workers with fair wages and conditions matching local standards.
Australia Visa Program Requirements and Worker Protections
To participate in the DAMA for Northern Territory, businesses must comply with strict labor market testing and meet Australia’s workplace laws. Workers under the agreement will receive protections equivalent to those for Australian employees, including minimum salary thresholds and safe working conditions.
Economic Impact and Reactions
Industry groups praised the Australia-endorsed DAMA as a solution to chronic labor shortages in remote regions. Jane Carter, CEO of the NT Chamber of Commerce, said, “This program is vital for sustaining Australia’s Northern Territory economy, particularly in sectors strained by workforce gaps.”
Critics, however, called for stronger safeguards to ensure local workers are not displaced.
A Strategic Boost for Australia’s Migration Framework
The Northern Territory’s prior DAMAs (2019–2024) recruited over 3,000 workers, supporting infrastructure and healthcare projects. The updated Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) expands eligible occupations and reinforces Australia’s commitment to regional development through targeted migration.
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