Introduction 

The new Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) lets the Northern Territory (NT) employers sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for work visa Subclass 482.

A broader range of occupations are available for work visa sponsorship. Occupations that are not ordinarily in the work visa program have been added such as Aged or Disabled carers, Hotel receptionists, Truck/forklift drivers, account clerk/bookkeeper, car salespersons, and many others.

Other Benefits of DAMA include:

• a broader range of occupations available for sponsorship, with no caveats that apply.
• pathways to permanent residency for NT DAMA visa holders (including transitional arrangements for existing visa holders)
• English language concessions for some occupations
• Salary concessions - Employers may offer salary below the requires amount for 482 visa (currently set at $53,900) for certain occupations    *subject to certain conditions
• a five year agreement to reduce red tape.

Who can access the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement?

NT based Businesses and Employers based in Northern Territory can access this program if they are viable and operating for at least 12 months and have no history of not meeting employee obligations.

Before nominating an overseas worker, demonstrate that they cannot fill out the position locally and the full-time position offers terms and conditions that are in accordance with those offered Australian workers in the region.

The full list of occupations can be found here.