New Northern Territory (NT) Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) III - March 2025
A new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory (NT) went into effect on 19 March 2025. This is the third DAMA established for the territory. It will remain in effect until 30 June 2030 to continue supporting local businesses in the NT in sponsoring skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers in specific occupations.
What are the Key Features of the new Northern Territory DAMA III?
This new agreement features a higher number of nomination places, unlike the previous NT DAMA.
This DAMA enables employers who are facing work shortages to access an additional 1,500 overseas workers annually.
The NT DAMA focuses on industries facing skills shortages, including agribusiness, hospitality, tourism and healthcare.
The new agreement will also include a more extensive list of eligible occupations available for sponsorship that is required in the NT region. This is in hopes of filling in the skill shortages that the region is experiencing.
Additionally, like other DAMAs, there is flexibility in some of the visa requirements depending on the nominated occupation, such as English language proficiency and Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
Eligible workers will have a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186).
What visa can I apply for to Access NT DAMA III?
You can apply for NT DAMA through the following visa programs:
What Happens to my Current Labour Agreements under NT DAMA II?
As of today, the program is currently on hold for new endorsement applications during the transition to the new NT DMAA III. Businesses that hold existing labour agreements under NT DAMA II and need additional ceiling places or wish to access new occupations or concessions provided by NT DAMA III must submit a new endorsement application under NT DAMA III. In the meantime, businesses with ongoing labour agreements under NT DAMA II can continue to submit nomination applications within their approved ceilings.
When can I apply for the Endorsement for NT DAMA III?
The Northern Territory government expects its online application portal to open for new endorsement applications under NT DAMA III by 31 March 2025.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have a business in the Northern Territory, Australia, and wish to sponsor overseas worker(s) through DAMA. Contact Agape Henry Crux and speak with one of our immigration lawyers or registered migration agents for professional advice and guidance. The team works together with our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer(s), who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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.
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