The South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a specialised regional migration pathway for skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers who want to build a career and long-term future in South Australia. As part of Australia’s national network of DAMAs, this agreement offers region-specific concessions and expanded occupation options that are not available through standard skilled visa programs. The South Australian Government manages the program locally, ensuring that occupations and pathways reflect genuine workforce needs across metropolitan and regional parts of the state.
For applicants, the South Australian DAMA provides clear advantages: access to a broader list of occupations, concessions on English, age, salary, and work experience, and structured pathways to permanent residency. Whether you are looking for opportunities in Adelaide’s innovation sectors or essential roles in regional South Australia, the DAMA provides a practical and achievable route toward skilled migration.
What Is a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an arrangement between the Department of Home Affairs and a regional authority known as the Designated Area Representative (DAR). DAMAs allow employers in specific regions to sponsor overseas workers for occupations that cannot be filled locally.
Although employers drive the application process, DAMAs exist to create more migration opportunities for skilled workers by offering:
- Expanded occupation lists (including semi-skilled roles)
- Reduced English language requirements for some occupations
- Age concessions for permanent residency pathways
- Lower work experience thresholds in certain roles
- Region-aligned salary concessions
- Access to employer-sponsored temporary and permanent visas
Unlike standard skilled visas, DAMAs are tailored to local labour needs, meaning you may qualify under a DAMA even if you are not eligible under other migration programs.
South Australia’s Two DAMA Regions
South Australia operates two separate DAMAs, giving applicants pathways in both metropolitan Adelaide and the state’s regional areas.
1. Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement
This DAMA covers metropolitan Adelaide and supports advanced industries such as:
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- Engineering
- Advanced manufacturing
- Space and aerospace
- Technology and innovation
This pathway suits applicants with technical or specialist skills aligned with Adelaide’s fast-growing innovation and high-tech sectors.
2. South Australian Regional Workforce DAMA
Covering all areas outside metropolitan Adelaide, this DAMA supports essential workforce areas such as:
- Agribusiness and farming
- Construction and trades
- Aged care and healthcare
- Tourism and hospitality
- Transport and logistics
Your eligibility depends on the occupation lists for each DAMA. Some roles require a formal skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority. The occupation you nominate determines the concessions available and the visa pathway you may follow.
Both DAMAs are administered by Skilled & Business Migration, the South Australian authority responsible for endorsing DAMA applications.
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Visa Pathways for DAMA Applicants
As an applicant, you gain access to several employer-sponsored visa options through the Labour Agreement stream.
Skill in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- The most common starting visa for DAMA applicants
- Requires nomination by an employer with a DAMA Labour Agreement
- Allows full-time work in South Australia
- Can include concessions on age, English, experience, and salary
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- Available for roles in regional South Australia
- Leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa
- Suitable for applicants living and working outside metropolitan Adelaide
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- A key permanent residency pathway
- Often accessible after holding a DAMA-related Subclass 482 visa
- Age concessions may apply depending on occupation
These visas provide structured pathways from temporary employment to permanent residency.
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How the South Australian DAMA Works
Although employers must initiate the DAMA process, understanding the steps helps you prepare and assess your eligibility.
Step 1: Employer Seeks Endorsement
Your prospective employer applies to the Designated Area Representative for endorsement to use the DAMA, confirming that:
- Your role cannot be filled locally
- The occupation is eligible under the relevant DAMA
Step 2: Labour Agreement Approval
Once endorsed, the employer requests a Labour Agreement from the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement outlines:
- Approved occupations
- Available concessions
- Number of workers permitted
Step 3: Nomination and Visa Application
If the Labour Agreement is approved:
- Your employer nominates you for a DAMA visa (e.g., Subclass 482 or 494)
- You then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
Step 4: Pathways to Permanent Residency
Many occupations within the DAMA include clear permanent residency routes through:
- The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), or
- The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
Benefits of the South Australian DAMA for Skilled Workers
1. Wider Occupation Access
You may qualify even if your occupation is not on the standard skilled migration lists.
2. Valuable Concessions
Eligible applicants may receive:
- Age concessions for permanent residency
- Reduced English requirements
- Lower work experience thresholds
- Region-specific salary concessions
3. Options in Both Adelaide and Regional Areas
You can pursue opportunities in either metropolitan innovation industries or essential sectors across regional South Australia.
4. Clear Permanent Residency Pathways
Both DAMAs provide structured and achievable long-term migration options.
5. Strong Employment Demand
Many industries across South Australia face persistent skills shortages, improving employment prospects for DAMA applicants.
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Australian Migration Agents can assist employers and overseas workers throughout every stage of the South Australian DAMA process, including:
- Assessing eligibility for endorsement under the DAMA.
- Preparing and submitting endorsement and Labour Agreement applications.
- Advising on occupation eligibility, concessions, and permanent residency options.
- Managing nomination and visa lodgement processes.
- Ensuring compliance with the Department of Home Affairs and the Designated Area Representative requirements.
Engaging an experienced migration agent ensures accuracy, efficiency, and compliance, helping avoid costly delays and rejections..
Contact Australian Migration Agents today to explore your eligibility and secure the workforce your business needs under the South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement.
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常见问题
1. Can I apply directly for the South Australian DAMA?
No. You must be sponsored by an employer with an approved DAMA Labour Agreement.
2. Which occupations are eligible?
Each DAMA (Adelaide and Regional South Australia) has its own occupation list, covering a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled roles.
3. Does the DAMA provide a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes, many occupations include PR pathways through the Subclass 186 or Subclass 191 visa.
4. Are English or age concessions available?
Yes. Certain occupations include reduced English requirements and age concessions for permanent residency.
5. Does Labour Market Testing apply for PR?
Under the DAMA, Labour Market Testing is not required for Subclass 186 nominations, which can simplify the transition to permanent residency.
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