Community
12 April, 2024
Migration agreement extended
THE Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) that allows south west employers to take on overseas workers to fill labour shortages, has been extended for another year.
The DAMA now allows for up to 300 workers to come to the south west to fill vacancies in more than 120 occupations ranging from accountants and chefs, to plumbers and nurses.
“The DAMA has proven invaluable for regional employers who could not find local people to fill vacancies,” Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
“It’s great to have this extended, there is clearly a need for more workers in the south west and the DAMA enables skilled workers to come to our region and help local businesses remain viable and competitive.
“There are two temporary skill shortage visa types that are covered by the DAMA, 482 and 494.”
Cr Blain said these visas offer the potential for permanent residency, which gives further certainty to employers and boosts the city’s capacity to attract much-needed workers.
The previous DAMA agreement allowed for up to 100 endorsed workers to come to the south west each year, a limit that was reached in each of the past two years.
Eligibility to transition to permanent residency for those with a 482 visa has been reduced from three years to two years employment with a sponsoring employer.
Holders of 494 visas are eligible to transition to permanent residency after three years.
Council’s manager economic development Steve Hoy said the business community had embraced the opportunities available through the DAMA, which is administered by council on behalf of the region.
“The feedback provided to council resulted in our DAMA renewal application seeking to increase the number of endorsed workers and to expand the approved list of occupations,” Mr Hoy said.
“Over recent years the workers hired through the DAMA have made important contributions to the region’s economy.”
