The Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a tailored migration pathway designed for skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers who want to live and work in Northern Western Australia. Covering the Kimberley region, this DAMA offers access to a broader range of occupations and concessions than standard skilled migration programs. It addresses long-standing labour shortages across multiple industries, creating practical migration routes for those seeking stable, long-term opportunities in regional Australia.
Administered by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Kimberley DAMA includes generous concessions on age, English language, and work experience requirements. For applicants, this presents a unique opportunity to secure employment, gain local experience, and progress toward permanent residency while contributing to the development of communities across the Kimberley region.
What Is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a regional authority that allows employers in specific regions to sponsor skilled overseas workers for occupations that cannot be filled locally. Each DAMA is customised to the needs of the region it covers.
For applicants, DAMAs provide access to:
- Expanded occupation lists (including semi-skilled roles)
- Concessions to age and English requirements
- Lower work experience thresholds
- Region-specific salary concessions
- Employer-sponsored visa pathways leading to permanent residency
The Kimberley DAMA operates within this framework, offering a regionally tailored migration solution designed to support both local industries and skilled migrants seeking long-term settlement.
About the Kimberley DAMA
The Kimberley DAMA is a partnership between the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKCCI) and the Department of Home Affairs. It applies specifically to the following shires:
- Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
- Shire of Broome
- Shire of Halls Creek
- Shire of Derby–West Kimberley
These areas make up the designated Kimberley DAMA region. To participate, the nominated role must be located within one of these shires.
EKCCI acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR), responsible for reviewing endorsement applications and supporting the operation of the Kimberley DAMA to ensure it meets local workforce needs and provides opportunities for skilled migrants.
Key Features of the Kimberley DAMA
For workers, the Kimberley DAMA offers:
- Access to a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled occupations
- Concessions on age, English, and salary requirements
- Labour agreements that can remain valid for up to five years
- Pathways to temporary and permanent visas
- Options for new migrants and existing temporary visa holders
This flexible structure allows the Kimberley DAMA to respond to changing labour needs across Northern Western Australia while providing stability for overseas workers pursuing regional employment.
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Occupations and Concessions Under the Kimberley DAMA
The Kimberley DAMA Occupation List includes roles across major regional industries, including:
- Agriculture and food production
- Tourism and hospitality
- Construction and trades
- Health and aged care
- Logistics, warehousing, and transport
- Engineering and maintenance
Each occupation has its own eligibility criteria and may offer concessions related to:
- Age limits
- English language scores
- Work experience
- Salary thresholds
The current occupation list and concession details are publicly available on the EKCCI website under the Kimberley DAMA Occupation List (Public Version).
How the Kimberley DAMA Works
While employers initiate the process, understanding the steps allows you to prepare for sponsorship and assess whether you may qualify.
Step 1: Employer Endorsement
Your prospective employer must apply to the EKCCI for endorsement to use the Kimberley DAMA. This confirms that:
- The position is located within the Kimberley DAMA region
- The occupation is eligible under the agreement
- Local recruitment has not been successful
Step 2: Labour Agreement Approval
Once endorsed, your employer submits a Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs. This establishes:
- The occupations they can sponsor
- Any concessions
- The number of positions approved
Step 3: Nomination
After the Labour Agreement is approved, your employer nominates you for the position under the Kimberley DAMA.
Step 4: Visa Application
You then lodge your visa application under the Labour Agreement stream—most commonly through:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, or
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
Step 5: Pathway to Permanent Residency
Depending on your occupation and visa, you may later transition to:
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, or
- Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
Many occupations under the Kimberley DAMA include clear permanent residency pathways.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Visa Pathways and Permanent Residency
The Kimberley DAMA provides access to the following visa subclasses:
Skill in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Common entry point for DAMA applicants
- Offers potential concessions under the DAMA framework
- May lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
- For roles located in regional areas such as the Kimberley
- Leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
- Permanent residency option after meeting eligibility requirements
- Age and English concessions may apply depending on your occupation
For many migrants, the Kimberley DAMA offers one of the most accessible regional pathways to permanent residency in Western Australia.
Labour Market Testing (LMT) Concessions
The Kimberley DAMA offers certain concessions to Labour Market Testing requirements, especially for permanent residency nominations. This can reduce delays and streamline the process where employers have already demonstrated genuine attempts to recruit locally.
Why the Kimberley DAMA Matters for Skilled Migrants
For applicants, the Kimberley DAMA offers:
- Greater access to occupations not available under standard skilled visas
- More flexible eligibility through concessions
- Opportunities to live and work in regional Western Australia
- Clear long-term settlement options
- Strong demand across multiple industries
The Kimberley region relies heavily on skilled migrants to support agriculture, tourism, construction, logistics, and essential services. As a participant, you contribute directly to regional development while gaining access to meaningful employment and permanent residency pathways.
How Australian Migration Agents Can Assist
Australian Migration Agents can guide you through every stage of the Kimberley DAMA process, including:
- Assessing your eligibility
- Advising on required concessions
- Preparing documents for endorsement and nomination
- Managing your visa lodgement
- Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs and EKCCI requirements
- Communicating with stakeholders on your behalf
Working with a registered migration agent helps reduce errors, prevents delays, and strengthens your overall application. There is currently no fee for applicants to submit a DAMA endorsement application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access the Kimberley DAMA?
Your employer must operate within one of the Kimberley DAMA shires. As an applicant, you must be sponsored for a role located within the region.
How long does a Kimberley DAMA Labour Agreement last?
Labour Agreements are generally valid for five years and can be updated as regional needs change.
What concessions are available?
Depending on your occupation, concessions may apply to English language requirements, age limits, salary levels, and work experience.
Can DAMA visa holders apply for permanent residency?
Yes. Many roles offer pathways through the Subclass 186 or Subclass 191 visas.
Do I need a migration agent?
It is not mandatory, but engaging a registered migration agent is strongly recommended to ensure correct lodgement and compliance throughout the process.
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