Northern Territory DAMA Update 2024-2025

The agreement between the Northern Territory (NT) Government and the Australian Government governing the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program is set to expire on 13 December 2024. Negotiations are currently underway with the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) to establish a new 5-year NT DAMA (NT DAMA III), which aims to enhance the migration program with an expanded occupation list and streamlined application processes. 

What is the Transition Timeline for NT DAMA? 

  • Current DAMA Expiry Date: 13 December 2024 

  • Expected Implementation of NT DAMA III: Mid to late January 2025 

During this transition, the program will be suspended for a brief period.

Northern Territory DAMA - Important Dates and Actions

New Endorsement and Subsequent DAMA Applications 

  • DAMA Application Deadline: All new endorsement and subsequent endorsement applications under the current NT DAMA must be submitted to MigrationNT by Friday, 6 December 2024.

  • Application Portal Closure: The NT DAMA application portal will cease accepting new applications after 13 December 2024 until NT DAMA III is implemented. 

Labour Agreement Requests and Nomination Applications 

  • By 13 December 2024, Businesses endorsed by MigrationNT can still lodge labour agreement requests and nomination applications with the DoHA. These will be assessed as normal, even after the current NT DAMA expires. 

  • If a business receives endorsement from MigrationNT by 13 December 2024, the approved occupation ceilings will remain valid for new nomination and visa applications post-expiry. 

Skills Assessments 

  • Skills assessment applications will continue to be accepted for prospective employees of businesses that submit endorsement applications by 6 December 2024. These applications will be processed as usual.

Transitioning to NT DAMA III 

Once NT DAMA III is in place, MigrationNT will provide detailed information regarding new settings and application processes. Businesses with existing labour agreements under the current NT DAMA can continue to submit nomination applications under approved ceilings. Should additional ceilings be required, businesses must apply for endorsement from MigrationNT and request a new 5-year labour agreement with DoHA. 

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you are interested in applying and seeking professional guidance for any DAMA, labour agreement or GSM visas in the Northern Territory, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.  

Work visas, Permanent Resident, Designated Area Migration, Migration Updates, Regional Migration, Immigration Law Updates, Subclass 190 Requirements, subclass 190 visa, Subclass 491, Employer Sponsored Stream, DAMAAgape Henry CruxAgape Henry CruxPR in australia, Permanent Residency Pathway, regional visa, PR Pathway, northern territory skilled occupation list, Northern Territory, DAMA