Author:

JUSTIN K. RICKARD

B.A LL.B M.A (SYD.) M.M.I.A

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has finalised guidelines for Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) which will stimulate local economies providing more business and job opportunities for Australians in areas experiencing labour and skills shortages, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said in a media release.

The DAMA proposal, commenced under the former Labor government as regional migration agreements, has been developed after extensive negotiations with state and territory governments and other stakeholders including labour unions.

“It is important to be clear that these agreements require employers to pay workers at least the same wage as Australian workers. Where employers within the agreement area are unable to recruit Australian workers, DAMAs can support them to supplement their workforce with skilled overseas workers.

“If businesses cannot access labour then they cannot create more jobs for Australians. Targeted skilled migration under the DAMA guidelines will provide incentives to grow businesses and local economies for the benefit of Australians” says the Minister.

DAMAs are designed to ensure employers recruit Australians as a first priority and prioritise initiatives and strategies to facilitate the recruitment and retention of Australian workers.

This is what I got back (as did other RMAs).  All are replica replies:

Our references: FA 14/08/00981; ADF2014/30042 

Dear Liana Allan 

"DO NOT lodge any saved applications that were ready to be lodged (and just waiting for the VAC - or any other reason).

The message being sent by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to RMAs at present is as follows:

"We appreciate your patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused. Our developers are still trying to resolve the issue. During this time Please provide your client’s full bio data (name, DOB, and passport number) and My Health Declaration/visa application TRN to enable our further assistance."