Important Changes to the NT DAMA

The Northern Territory DAMA has been extended by 1 year, and it will now remain valid till 13 December 2024. There have also been some important new changes, which will make it easier for NT employers to access the program. The key changes are:

• 11 new occupations have been included, bringing the total number of eligible occupations to 135
• Reduced Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $55,000 for selected occupations
• simpler and more streamlined pathway to permanent residency, enabling overseas workers to be nominated for the permanent subclass 186 visa after working in the NT in eligible occupations for at least 2 years full-time.

What is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional state or territory authority. DAMA permits employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. It is custom-made to address current and growing labour market shortages and local terms and conditions of employment.

Concessions available

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) provides eligible businesses access to occupations not available through the standard stream.

It also provides for English language, age, skill and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) concessions.

All workers employed under the NT DAMA must be employed under Australian employment conditions and be paid no less than the salary provided to an equivalent skilled and experienced Australian worker performing the same job (‘market salary’).

In addition to the above, in order to sponsor workers under visa programs such as the NT DAMA, the identified market salary must be at least the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT). This is currently $70,000.

The NT DAMA provides a reduced TSMIT of $55,000 (made up of monetary salary only) for many occupations. Where a TSMIT concession applies, sponsored workers must be paid at least the reduced TSMIT of $55,000 or the market salary, whichever is higher.

This is Australia in the NT

TIA Lawyers’ senior and principal migration lawyer, Anthony Perich will be taking face-to-face appointments in Darwin from Monday 15 January until Friday 26 January 2024.

This is Australia can determine your eligibility for a work visa and provide you professional advice on the documentation, fees and submission process. Begin your pathway to permanent residency by contacting our migration agents via our booking form or call our Queensland office on (07) 5592 0755.

Source: Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement