The Pilbara Designated Area Migration Agreement (Pilbara DAMA) is an area migration agreement DAMA and a formal agreement between the Federal Government and Regional Development Australia Pilbara in Western Australia. This regional migration program provides a pathway for skilled and semi-skilled workers to fill critical labour shortages in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Covering major towns and mining hubs in the region, the Pilbara DAMA allows access to occupations beyond standard skilled visa lists, with concessions for age, English language ability, work experience, and salary.
The Pilbara DAMA was signed on 28 March 2022 and is a five-year agreement between the Federal Government and Regional Development Australia Pilbara. The Pilbara DAMA supports economic growth in the region by sponsoring skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. It also ensures that the terms and conditions for overseas workers are no less favorable than those provided to Australian workers.
Applicants benefit from this DAMA through structured visa pathways and potential permanent residency opportunities while contributing to regional workforce development.
What is the Pilbara WA DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a designated region. The Pilbara DAMA is a DAMA pathway for regional skilled migration, enabling endorsed employers in the Pilbara region to provide employer sponsorship for overseas workers in occupations that cannot be filled locally. Both applicants and employers must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate in the DAMA. The Pilbara DAMA is accessible to all employers operating in the City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland, and Shire of East Pilbara that meet the employer requirements.
Key features of the Pilbara WA DAMA
- Expanded occupation lists beyond standard skilled migration programs, allowing for a broader range of eligible occupations to be sponsored under the Pilbara DAMA
- Flexibility to include additional occupations as regional workforce needs change, supporting evolving business requirements
- Concessions on age, English language, salary, and work experience
- Eligibility for skilled and semi-skilled roles in critical industries through clearly defined eligible occupations
- Pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers
Each DAMA is region-specific and ensures that Australian workers are prioritised for available positions.
About the Pilbara WA DAMA
The Pilbara DAMA is designed to address labour shortages in key sectors such as mining, construction, transport, healthcare, and hospitality. The agreement is administered by Regional Development Australia Pilbara (RDA Pilbara), which acts as the designated area representative (DAR) responsible for facilitating the DAMA in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs. RDA Pilbara endorses applications, supports the DAMA process, and provides guidance to employers, but does not offer immigration advice or recruitment services. The Pilbara DAMA operates under a labour agreement framework, allowing employers to obtain their own labour agreements valid for five years.
Regional Development Australia plays a broader role in regional migration and workforce planning by collaborating with local governments and stakeholders to develop tailored migration programs that support economic growth in regions like the Pilbara.
For applicants, the Pilbara DAMA provides:
- Access to occupations that may not appear on national skilled occupation lists
- Concessions tailored to regional workforce needs
- Opportunities for long-term employment and residency in Western Australia
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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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Key Features of the Pilbara WA DAMA
The Pilbara DAMA offers a range of migration options for skilled and semi-skilled workers, providing access to a specific DAMA visa for regional applicants. The Pilbara DAMA provides applicants with multiple benefits and flexible conditions, including visa concessions and key concessions such as relaxed requirements for English language proficiency, age, and salary thresholds. These features make it easier for employers in the region to sponsor skilled overseas workers. Additionally, the Pilbara DAMA supports multiple visa streams, including the Subclass 482, Subclass 186, and Subclass 494 visas.
Occupation List
The Pilbara DAMA occupation list is a comprehensive inventory of roles available under the agreement, supporting regional migration pathways for employers and applicants. This list includes both skilled and semi skilled occupations to address the diverse workforce needs of the Pilbara region. The Pilbara DAMA includes up to 135 eligible occupations for sponsorship across industries including:
- Mining and resource services
- Construction and civil trades
- Healthcare and aged care
- Hospitality and tourism
- Transport, logistics, and maintenance
Concessions for Applicants
- Age concessions: Certain occupations allow applicants up to 50 or 55 years old through an age concession, providing flexibility in age requirements. Age concessions are available for the ENS and SESR visa programs.
- English language concessions: Reduced English requirements for some roles
- Work experience concessions: Flexible experience requirements
- Salary concessions: Concessions to the skilled migration income threshold and temporary skilled migration income requirements allow regionally adjusted thresholds consistent with Australian employment standards. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) concessions under the Pilbara DAMA allow employers to offer salaries that align with regional market rates.
Permanent residency pathways
Many Skill Level 1–5 occupations under the Pilbara DAMA provide eligibility for permanent visas through various visa categories, including ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas. The ENS visa programs are a key pathway to permanent residency under the DAMA.
How the Pilbara WA DAMA Works (For Applicants)
The Pilbara DAMA is an employer sponsored visa program, meaning that individual workers cannot apply for a visa independently. Instead, visa applications are tied to employer sponsorship, and applying for a visa independently is not possible under this program. Employers under the Pilbara DAMA are not required to identify workers prior to gaining endorsement. Although only employers can apply for endorsement, understanding the process helps applicants plan their migration pathway.
Step 1: Employer seeks DAR endorsement
Your prospective employer applies to the Pilbara DAR to become eligible to nominate overseas workers under the DAMA.
Step 2: Labour Agreement request
Once endorsed, the employer lodges a DAMA labour agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs, which is a formal arrangement between the employer and the Department. This application is made under the labour agreement stream of the skilled migration program, specifying occupations and any concessions available. The Pilbara DAMA allows employers to obtain their own labour agreement, which is valid for five years.
Step 3: Nomination and visa application
After endorsement and labour agreement request approval, the employer can proceed with visa nomination, which is the process of nominating a skilled worker for a specific role. The nomination must be for a nominated occupation listed under the DAMA. Only after the endorsement and labour agreement have been approved can the employer nominate applicants for:
Permanent residency pathways
Eligible applicants may transition to:
Benefits of the Pilbara WA DAMA for Applicants
The Pilbara DAMA provides:
- Access to regional occupations not listed in standard skilled visa programs, offering opportunities for skilled migrants and semi skilled overseas workers to access regional employment
- Structured visa and permanent residency pathways that support skilled overseas workers in filling positions that cannot be filled locally
- Concessions to overcome barriers such as age, English, or experience
- Opportunities to contribute to and grow in regional Western Australia, with the program designed to benefit employers and migrants alike
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How Australian Migration Agents Can Support Pilbara DAMA Applicants
Migration Agents assist applicants by:
- Assessing eligibility for the Pilbara DAMA
- Explaining occupation eligibility and concessions
- Preparing and lodging visa applications
- Advising on skills assessments and documentation
- Guiding applicants on pathways to permanent residency
- Ensuring compliance with all DAMA and Home Affairs requirements
It is recommended to consult a registered migration agent for advice and support throughout the process. Applicants should verify their agent's registration with the Migration Agents Registration Authority to ensure they receive reliable and compliant immigration advice. The Home Affairs website provides official information, forms, and guidelines for DAMA applications.
Professional guidance reduces errors, avoids delays, and improves the chances of a successful regional migration outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which areas are covered by the Pilbara WA DAMA?
The Pilbara DAMA applies across the Pilbara region of Western Australia, including towns such as Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman, and surrounding areas.
2. Which visas can DAMA applicants access?
Eligible applicants may be nominated for SID 482, TSS 482, or SESR 494 visas, with permanent residency pathways via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas.
3. Can individuals apply directly for the Pilbara WA DAMA?
No. Only endorsed employers can nominate overseas workers. Individuals cannot apply independently.
4. Are age and English concessions available?
Yes. The Pilbara DAMA provides concessions depending on the occupation and regional labour needs.
5. Does the Pilbara WA DAMA lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Most occupations under the agreement offer pathways to permanent residency via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas.
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