New Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) Comes into Effect for the Northern Territory

Effective 19 March 2025, the Australian Government has officially implemented a new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory, marking a significant development in the region’s workforce and migration strategy.

This agreement is the third DAMA established specifically for the Northern Territory and is set to remain in place until 30 June 2030. The new DAMA reflects a collaborative effort between the Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government to address ongoing and acute labour shortages across the region.

Under the new agreement, employers in the Northern Territory will gain access to an additional 1,500 overseas workers per year. This initiative allows local businesses to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled migrants for positions that are consistently difficult to fill with the local labour supply. It covers a broad range of occupations that are in critical demand, supporting key industries such as hospitality, agriculture, healthcare, construction, and tourism — all vital contributors to the Northern Territory’s economy.

The DAMA offers flexible and tailored migration pathways, including concessions to standard visa requirements such as English language proficiency, age limits, and salary thresholds, making it easier for regional employers to attract and retain much-needed talent.

Overall, the introduction of this new DAMA is a strong step forward in supporting the growth and sustainability of the Northern Territory’s workforce, while also creating opportunities for overseas workers to live and contribute to the region’s diverse and dynamic communities.