NSW Proposes a State-Led DAMA for Regional Workers

The New South Wales Government is consulting on a proposed Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) that could expand employer-sponsored migration opportunities across regional NSW.

The consultation is scheduled to close on 23 October 2026. The proposal remains subject to negotiation and approval by the Australian Government.

For skilled workers and regional employers, this could create additional opportunities, particularly for applicants facing age or occupation restrictions under existing migration pathways.

What Is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) allows eligible employers in designated regions to sponsor overseas workers under tailored migration arrangements.

Depending on the approved agreement, DAMAs may provide access to additional occupations and concessions through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

What Does the NSW Proposal Include?

The proposal covers two regional categories: inland regional NSW and coastal regional NSW.

Occupations under consideration span healthcare, aged care, hospitality, construction, engineering and skilled trades.

Some occupations may become eligible for employer sponsorship through the DAMA even if they are not available under standard skilled occupation lists.

However, the final occupation lists and eligibility requirements have not yet been confirmed.

Proposed Age and Salary Concessions

One of the most significant features is the proposed age concessions for selected occupations.

For higher-skilled occupations at ANZSCO Skill Levels 1 and 2, the proposed maximum age is 55 years in inland regional NSW and 50 years in coastal regional NSW.

For ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupations, the proposed limits are 50 years inland and 47 years coastal.

Selected inland regional occupations may also benefit from salary concessions, potentially allowing remuneration from 90% of the applicable skilled migration income threshold, subject to relevant market salary and workplace requirements.

These concessions are proposals only and remain subject to Australian Government approval.

How Is a DAMA Different from Points-Tested Visas?

Unlike the subclass 189, 190 and 491 skilled visa pathways, a DAMA is employer-sponsored rather than points-tested.

Applicants must secure sponsorship from an eligible employer operating under an approved DAMA arrangement.

This may offer an alternative for skilled workers who are not competitive under the points-tested migration system.

Who May Benefit?

The proposed DAMA may be particularly relevant to skilled workers already employed in regional NSW, applicants facing age restrictions, and workers whose occupations are not covered by standard skilled occupation lists.

Regional employers experiencing workforce shortages in healthcare, hospitality, aged care and construction may also benefit.

The proposal could provide pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers, subject to the final agreement and applicable visa requirements.

What Is the Current Status?

The NSW DAMA is still a proposal, not an approved visa pathway.

Public consultation is scheduled to close on 23 October 2026. Final occupation lists, regional coverage and concessions will depend on negotiations with the Australian Government.

No visa applications can currently be lodged under the proposed NSW State-led DAMA.

Key Takeaways

• NSW is proposing expanded employer-sponsored migration opportunities for regional workers.
• Selected occupations may benefit from age concessions of up to 55 years.
• Salary concessions may apply to certain inland regional occupations.
• Permanent residency pathways may become available for eligible workers.
• Employer sponsorship is required.
• The proposal has not yet been approved or implemented.

Considering Employer Sponsorship in Regional NSW?

If you are working in regional NSW, exploring regional employment opportunities or concerned about age and occupation restrictions, now is a good time to assess your existing migration options.

Official sources:

NSW Government — NSW State-led DAMA
https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/dama

Department of Home Affairs — Designated Area Migration Agreements
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/employer-subsite/Pages/designated-area-migration-agreements.aspx

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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