Australian Immigration Daily News

Regional businesses across a quarter of New South Wales, who are struggling to fill skilled positions, can now apply to be part of the newly launched Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

The DAMA, which covers towns from Mudgee and Dubbo all the way to Bourke, Walgett and Cobar, allows employers to bring in skilled workers, to help fill critical shortages. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the Orana agreement is one of seven DAMAs helping regional communities attract skilled migrants.

"The Morrison Government is committed to supporting the skills needs of regional Australia and has been working on tailored solutions to attract skilled migrants where Australian workers are not available to fill those jobs," Mr Coleman said. "Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps and grow local economies.”

The DAMA allows employers to bring in skilled workers under the labour agreement stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa that may provide a pathway to permanent residency, benefiting the Orana region long-term.

Source: NSW-to-benefit-from-DAMA.pdf