NT DAMA Unveils Australia I to Attract Skilled Workers (2025–2030)

Australia Launches New NT DAMA III Program to Attract Skilled Workers (2025–2030)

In a major update for skilled migration, the Australian Government has introduced a new version of its Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement – known as NT DAMA III. The program officially began in March 2025, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2030.

This new agreement is designed to help fill labor shortages in the Northern Territory (NT) by allowing local employers to sponsor up to 1,500 overseas workers each year.

What is DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal deal between the Australian Government and a specific region. It gives local employers in that area more flexibility to hire skilled workers from overseas, especially when they can’t find suitable local workers.

What’s New in NT DAMA III?

Compared to the previous version, NT DAMA III brings several big improvements:

✅ Valid from: March 19, 2025, to June 30, 2030
✅ Annual worker quota: Up to 1,500 overseas workers can be sponsored each year
✅ Occupation list expansion: Now includes 325 occupations, up from 135 in the previous agreement
✅ Simplified processing: The process for labor agreement requests will be faster and more efficient
✅ Eased requirements: There are more concessions (relaxed requirements) related to skills, work experience, and English language ability
✅ Better alignment: The new program matches more closely with the Northern Territory’s migration and workforce planning goals

Why This Matters

The NT is facing significant workforce gaps in many sectors, from healthcare and construction to hospitality and agriculture. By expanding the list of eligible jobs and easing some of the strict requirements, the government aims to attract more international talent to fill these roles and support the region’s growth.

The NT DAMA III is part of a broader effort by Australia to address regional skill shortages and provide more migration opportunities outside major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

If you’re interested in working in Australia, especially in the Northern Territory, the NT DAMA III might be your opportunity. Make sure to check the list of eligible occupations and see if you meet the new, more flexible criteria.

For personalized support or to calculate your eligibility score, you can explore services of Asif Cosulting.