Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government is making key changes to ensure the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) remains fit for purpose as the regional labour market has evolved throughout the pandemic. Changes to the Far North Queensland DAMA include updating the range of occupations across which businesses can source workers.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said these changes come at a critical point, as the region experiences an increase in vaccinated overseas visitors. “The positive economic impact on a number of sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, has been strongly felt across Far North Queensland,” Minister Hawke said.

Source: Joint-media-release-FNQ-DAMA.pdf

The city of Karratha and town of Port Hedland are the latest areas to benefit from the introduction of a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the signing of the new Pilbara DAMA.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said the establishment of the Pilbara DAMA will play a significant role in building the region by drawing on highly skilled workers who will reside locally and support the local economy.

"The Pilbara region has $170 billion worth of investment proposed in the resource industry in the near future, according to the Pilbara Development Commission. This investment will create more employment opportunities that need to be filled by skilled workers”, Minister Hawke said.

A new Work and Holiday Maker (WHM) arrangement will allow up to 100 young Mongolians and 100 young Australians each year to enjoy a 12-month holiday in each other’s country, during which they may undertake short-term work and study.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, signed WHM agreements with Mongolia and Brazil today, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Working holiday makers support regional Australia by providing local businesses with access to more workers.

Working holiday makers often fill labour gaps in agriculture, hospitality and healthcare, supporting critical industries and contributing to the Australian economy. “This reciprocal visa arrangement with Mongolia highlights the vibrant relationship between our two countries,” Minister Hawke said.

The Australian Government is providing employers in the Orana region with greater access to skilled workers by strengthening the Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), in order to meet labour-market challenges.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said the Government consulted with businesses across the region to understand where skills shortages are most prevalent.

“The Australian Government aims to address businesses’ needs with the inclusion of a range of occupations including automotive trades, teachers, aged care and additional health professionals,” Minister Hawke said.

Young people from Brazil will be able to work, study and holiday in Australia under a new memorandum of understanding for a reciprocal Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa arrangement signed today.

Commencing on 1 July 2022, the arrangement will allow up to 500 young Brazilians aged between 18 and 30 to stay in Australia each year, for a 12-month holiday during which they can undertake short-term work and study.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke said the visa arrangement is an important step in strengthening the positive relationship between Australia and Brazil, with Brazilians forming the largest migrant group in Australia from Latin America.