• Goldfields DAMA

Goldfields DAMA

Expansion of Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Australian Government have reached agreement on the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), which was approved by Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman, in March 2019.

The Goldfields DAMA is a five year labour agreement between the Federal Government, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Shires of Coolgardie, Leonora and Menzies. The Goldfields DAMA aims to attract skilled migrants to work and live in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie, Kambalda, Leonora, Menzies, Kookynie and Ora Banda, allowing Goldfields employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers in specified industries that are currently experiencing critical skill and labour shortages. We always advocate that employment should be offered to Australians first. Where there is a skills shortage, we believe skilled migrants are critical to supplement the local workforce.

Am I eligible for a TSS visa?

What occupations are included in the Goldfields DAMA?

The Goldfields DAMA secured 72 occupations across multiple industries. The DAMA is not just targeted at mining and heavy industry jobs.  The approved list of skilled workers includes jobs such as childcare workers, hospitality supervisors and disability worker to help fill the shortages in these industries. A complete list of occupations can be provided upon request from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

What does the DAMA application process involve?

The DAMA application process is fairly rigorous, as the employer needs to demonstrate that the job cannot be filled by an Australian.This includes evidence that the job was advertised (via website, print media or radio) in Australia for at least 4 weeks unsuccessfully over the last four months. It also requires the skilled migrant to undertake a skills assessment, demonstrating their competence and qualifications, as well as an English language test.

Is my business eligible to sponsor an overseas worker through the Goldfields DAMA?

Businesses can access the Goldfields DAMA if they are actively operating in the Goldfields region and:

  • are viable and have been operating for at least 12 months
  • have no history of not meeting its obligations to employees
  • are looking to employ overseas workers to fill full-time positions with duties that align with one of the occupations on the Goldfields DAMA list
  • can demonstrate they cannot fill the position locally with Australian citizens or permanent residents
  • can provide terms and conditions of employment to overseas workers that are in accordance with those offered to Australian workers employed in the region.

Note: The Goldfields DAMA is an employer-sponsored visa program and individual workers cannot apply for a visa independently.

Do workers who migrate through the DAMA have to reside in the Goldfields?

Yes. The DAMA aims not only to help grow the communities of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Goldfields, but to actively combat Fly In, Fly Out workforces around the region. All workers immigrating to Australia under the DAMA are required to live and work in the region.

What are the costs associated with a DAMA application?

All DAMA applications will incur a processing fee. If approved, employers may also have to assist with the costs of relocating the skilled migrant to the Goldfields as part of the agreement. No sponsorship or financial assistance will be provided from the Government or other partners to the Goldfields DAMA to assist overseas workers to relocate.

How many applications for the Goldfields DAMA will be endorsed in the first year?

Around 500 approved nominations for Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas will be endorsed in the first year. The number of occupations and nominations in following years is to be renegotiated with the Federal Minister, following an annual review.

When will applications for the DAMA open, and who will assess them?

Applications for the DAMA will open around July 2019. As the Designated Area Representative holder of the Goldfields DAMA, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be accepting and assessing applications in partnership with the Office of Home Affairs.

As a skilled worker, can I apply to migrate to the Goldfields under the DAMA?

No. The Goldfields DAMA is an employer-sponsored visa program and individual workers cannot apply for a visa independently.
Employer Sponsored Visa Assessment

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