Skilled migrants can find new opportunities in regional New South Wales through Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA NSW). Australia has 12 DAMAs in operation, and two more agreements were added just recently. These migration agreements let regions adapt to their economic needs and local job market conditions.
The Orana DAMA NSW programme serves 12 local government areas. Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, and Narromine Shire are part of this initiative. The programme now covers more regional areas of NSW than before. Skilled migrants have plenty of choices with 129 occupations listed under the Orana DAMA occupation list.
This piece will tell you everything about DAMA NSW in 2025. You’ll learn how these employer-sponsored visa programmes work. We’ll cover what employers and migrants need to qualify, and show you how working in the Orana region for three years can lead to permanent residency.
What is DAMA and how does it work?
The Australian Government and designated area representatives work together through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). This formal arrangement helps specific geographic regions address their unique economic and labour market needs.
Definition and purpose of DAMA
DAMA works as a two-tier framework. The first tier has an overarching five-year deed of agreement (head agreement) with the region’s representative. The second tier has individual labour agreements with employers under the head agreement’s settings. This structure lets regions effectively respond to their workforce needs after local recruitment options run out.
Employers in designated areas can get skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers through DAMA when Australian workers aren’t available. The programme supports regional economic development and creates alternative migration pathways.
How DAMA is different from standard skilled migration
DAMA stands out from standard skilled migration programmes because of its flexibility and tailored approach. Employers using DAMA can access:
- A broader range of overseas workers than standard skilled visa programmes
- Negotiable concessions to visa requirements such as English language, age, and salary
- Occupations that might not be included in standard skilled occupation lists
Each DAMA supports its region’s unique circumstances through case-by-case evaluation. The programme offers practical concessions based on specific regional workforce needs, unlike the national “one-size-fits-all” standard programmes.
Overview of the DAMA visa NSW programme
NSW businesses can supplement their workforce with skilled migrants through three visa pathways in the DAMA programme: the Skills in Demand visa (formerly TSS), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa, and the Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) visa programmes.
The Orana DAMA now covers Central West, Southern Inland, Murray and Riverina RDA regions, beyond just the Orana region. This expansion benefits employers across much of regional NSW through the programme’s concessions.
Employers must get endorsement from the Designated Area Representative (DAR) before they can access DAMA. After endorsement, they can apply for a labour agreement through the Department’s online lodgement portal, ImmiAccount. The labour agreement typically lasts five years once approved.
DAMA regions in NSW: Where can you apply?
Regional NSW provides great opportunities for skilled migrants through the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) programme. RDA Orana holds NSW’s only DAMA agreement, which has grown substantially over the last several years.
List of DAMA areas in NSW
The Orana DAMA now covers 60% of regional NSW. A newly approved change added 41 local government areas throughout the state in 2025. This expansion created one of Australia’s largest regional migration agreements, with 129 different roles on the occupation list.
The 2019 Orana DAMA started with these core areas in central west and western NSW:
- Dubbo Regional Council
- Mid-Western Regional Council
- Local Government Areas of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett, Warren and Warrumbungle
Focus on Orana DAMA NSW and its expansion
The Orana DAMA has entered its fifth year and received a 12-month extension until April 3, 2025. This extension came with expanded geographical boundaries that dramatically increased its state-wide coverage.
The programme started to support the region’s unprecedented economic growth. Projects worth AUD 12.08 billion were planned over five years to create 5000 jobs. The programme’s importance has grown with the region’s low 2.8% unemployment rate.
Other key DAMA regions: Riverina, Murray, Central West
The bigger Orana DAMA now covers several major regions:
Central West: Including Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.
Riverina: Covering 14 local government areas including Griffith City Council, Wagga Wagga City Council, and Snowy Valleys Council.
Southern Inland: Covering Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang and Snowy-Monaro.
Businesses throughout regional NSW can now use this programme to address their workforce shortages after trying local hiring options first.
Who is eligible under DAMA NSW?
DAMA NSW has specific criteria that businesses and skilled migrants must meet. The programme puts Australian workers first. Overseas workers can fill roles only after genuine attempts to hire locally.
Employer eligibility requirements
Businesses need several qualifications to get DAMA endorsement. They must have a physical presence in the designated region and conduct their business activities there. The organisation must operate in the region for at least 12 months and show they can employ workers for the visa duration. The business must comply with all workplace legislation and have no adverse information against them.
Skilled migrant eligibility criteria
Skilled migrants’ eligibility depends on their occupation and may include concessions to standard visa requirements. Applicants must meet skills, qualifications and experience needed under standard visa programmes, though some concessions may apply. To cite an instance, SID visa programme needs just one year of relevant work experience when applicants get their Australian Qualification Framework qualification in Australia.
Age concessions let applicants over 45 qualify despite standard restrictions. Skills assessments remain mandatory for occupations on the DAMA list to verify capabilities.
Labour Market Testing and local hiring rules
Labour Market Testing (LMT) plays a key role in the DAMA application process. Employers must prove they tested the local job market by advertising positions in Australia. These ads must meet Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Since December 2023, employers need two valid advertisements instead of three. Ads must run for at least four weeks within four months before lodging the nomination. The advertisements must be in English and include the position title, required skills, sponsor’s name, and salary details if below AUD96,400.
Occupation list and visa concessions
The Orana DAMA NSW occupation list has grown substantially over the last several years. It now gives skilled migrants more opportunities beyond the usual migration pathways.
Overview of DAMA NSW occupation list
The Orana DAMA sponsors 129 different occupations. This detailed list spans industries of all types and addresses regional NSW’s specific workforce needs. Each occupation listed under the RDA Orana DAMA makes candidates eligible for the Temporary Skills Shortage visa and opens a path to permanent residency.
English language and age concessions
Candidates in eligible occupations can meet lower English proficiency standards than usual requirements. They need an IELTS overall score of 5.0 for temporary visas, without minimum band requirements. The permanent residency through ENS needs IELTS 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component.
Age requirements are quite flexible. Skill Level 1-4 occupations welcome applicants up to 55 years old. Skill Level 5 positions accept candidates up to 50 years of age.
TSMIT and salary flexibility
The current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) stands at AUD 116,990.69 without superannuation. All the same, Orana DAMA offers two TSMIT concessions:
- Type 1: Annual monetary earnings must reach at least 90% of TSMIT
- Type 2: Monetary earnings should be 90% of TSMIT plus non-monetary benefits like food/board up to 10%
Pathway to permanent residency
The programme offers a clear path to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. Candidates become eligible after working in the Orana region for three years. This benefit stands out from standard skilled migration programmes, especially when considering occupations that usually don’t qualify for permanent residency.
Conclusion
DAMA NSW provides a crucial pathway for skilled migrants who want to work in regional New South Wales. The Orana DAMA has grown rapidly and now covers 60% of regional NSW. This expansion opens up opportunities in 129 occupations. The programme offers better advantages than standard migration pathways.
The programme gives skilled migrants excellent benefits through relaxed English language requirements, age limits, and salary thresholds. These changes make regional NSW more available while keeping high standards. A clear path to permanent residency after three years of work makes regional areas attractive to migrants.
Employers in Central West, Riverina, Murray and Southern Inland regions can now use this great programme after they show they tried to hire local workers first. The simplified labour market testing makes the process easier while Australian workers stay the priority.
Regional migration through DAMA NSW works well for everyone. Migrants get good work opportunities and paths to permanent residency. Employers can fill important workforce gaps they need to grow their business. Regional communities get more people, better economic growth, and improved services.
Both employers and potential migrants should review their specific requirements and concessions carefully before applying. The process takes several steps, but DAMA NSW’s long-term benefits make it worth thinking over for anyone who wants to build their future in regional Australia.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Orana DAMA and how much of NSW does it cover? The Orana DAMA is a Designated Area Migration Agreement that now covers 60% of regional New South Wales. It has expanded to include 41 local government areas across Central West, Riverina, Murray, and Southern Inland regions.
Q2. How many occupations are available under the Orana DAMA? The Orana DAMA occupation list includes 129 different roles across various industries, reflecting the specific labour needs of regional NSW.
Q3. What are the English language requirements for the Orana DAMA? For temporary visas, applicants need to achieve an IELTS overall score of 5.0 with no minimum in each band. For permanent residency through ENS, the requirement is IELTS 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 in each component.
Q4. Is there an age limit for applicants under the Orana DAMA? Age concessions are available under the Orana DAMA. Applicants for Skill Level 1-4 occupations can be up to 55 years old, while those applying for Skill Level 5 occupations can be up to 50 years old.
Q5. How long do skilled migrants need to work in the Orana region before they can apply for permanent residency? Skilled migrants working in the Orana region can apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa after three years of employment in the region.