Northern Territory DAMA Update: Transitioning to NT DAMA III

The current NT Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) will expire on 13 December 2024. Negotiations are underway to establish a new 5-year agreement, NT DAMA III, which will include an expanded occupations list and streamlined application processes.

Key Points:

• New and Subsequent Applications:

  • Must be submitted to MigrationNT by Friday, 6 December 2024 to allow processing before the expiry date.

  • Applications not decision-ready may not be endorsed in time.

• Portal Closure:

  • The NT DAMA application portal will close after 13 December 2024 and reopen with NT DAMA III implementation, expected by mid to late January 2025.

• Labour Agreement Requests and Nominations:

  • Businesses endorsed by MigrationNT by 13 December 2024 can continue lodging labour agreement and nomination applications with Home Affairs after the expiry of the current agreement. Approved ceilings will remain valid for 12 months post-endorsement.

• Skills Assessments:

  • Applications will still be accepted for employees of businesses that lodge endorsements by 6 December 2024.

• Transition to NT DAMA III:

  • Detailed guidelines and processes for NT DAMA III will be shared upon implementation.

  • Businesses with current agreements can continue submitting nominations under existing ceilings but must apply for new endorsements for additional ceilings under NT DAMA III.
    
    Source: https://dtbar.nt.gov.au/workforce/northern-territory-designated-area-migration-agreement