The new DAMA Program for the Northern Territory is Expected to Open on 31 March 2025
The new NT DAMA III program, a result of the collaboration between the NT and the Australian Federal Government, is a significant upgrade from the previous NT DAMA Program. It is set to open for new endorsement applications on 31 March 2025, offering an expanded occupation list, increased nomination places, and streamlined application processes for NT employers. The latest NT DAMA Program will be active until 30 June 2030.
If you are a business owner in the Northern Territory, the updates below are important to you!
When will the endorsement application open for the NT DAMA program?
The NT Government will open the online application for endorsement by the business owners on 31 March 2025.
Until the news was released, the NT Government had suspended endorsement applications for the NT DAMA Program.
Meanwhile, the endorsement applications submitted before the NT DAMA II program expiry have been finalised.
What about the Labour Agreement, NT Nominations and the Skills Assessment?
Businesses in NT that have been approved under the NT DAMA II program by 13 December 2024 are still able to submit nomination applications and requests for labour agreements to the Department of Home Affairs. The evaluation of these applications and requests will go on.
In addition, applications for skills assessments will still be accepted for NT DAMA II-endorsed positions and will still be evaluated after NT DAMA II ends.
Read more: Skilled Migration Visa Australia: Instant Australian PR!
How will the transition from the NT DAMA II program to the NT DAMA III program be?
Here are 4 key points of the transition from NT DAMA II to NT DAMA III program:
- The NT’s Government website will provide comprehensive details regarding the new settings and application procedures once the NT DAMA III is up and running.
- Companies with NT DAMA II labour agreements may still submit nomination applications within the authorised ceilings.
- Companies with current NT DAMA II labour agreements that need more ceiling places or want to access new NT DAMA III professions or concessions must submit a new endorsement application for an NT DAMA III labour agreement as soon as the application portal opens.
- While the platform does not presently accept new endorsement applications, companies in the NT may begin gathering the DAMA III documents. The documentation requirements are listed on the NT Government’s website. Keep in mind that they could be altered after the new DAMA III goes into effect.
What does it mean to the business owners and skilled workers?
The NT DAMA III program is a boon for companies in the NT struggling with a shortage of workers. It provides access to an additional 1,500 foreign workers per year in various occupations with a severe shortage in the region.
In addition, here are the benefits that the companies will get:
- Increased Occupation List: With 325 jobs on the new DAMA, companies can now sponsor a wider range of skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers to cover urgent labour shortages. It also means that a broader range of occupations are now eligible for sponsorship, creating greater opportunities for qualified workers across many industries.
- Expanded Nomination Places: With the expanded nomination capacity, companies now have more access to the worldwide talent pool. The annual cap for nominations of foreign workers has been increased from 625 to 1,500, offering a promising solution to labour shortages. It also improves skilled workers’ prospects of finding work and migrating to the NT through the DAMA system.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: The agreement provides pathways to permanent residency for overseas workers, making the NT a more appealing location for qualified migrants and assisting with workforce retention. This option also enables skilled workers to not only work in the Territory but also establish long-term residency, providing stability and the opportunity to become lifelong residents.
- Streamlined Application Process: The new agreement simplifies the application procedure for NT business and skilled workers, making sponsoring overseas workers easier and more efficient.
Overall, the NT DAMA III program significantly improves business and skilled workers opportunities. It addresses labour shortages, provides access to a larger pool of competent people, and contributes to the Northern Territory’s economic development. You can rest assured that this program will have a positive impact on your business and your migration plan to the Northern Territory.
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