Preparing for NT DAMA III - Key Updates for Businesses

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) has been an essential tool for businesses addressing workforce shortages by leveraging skilled migration. As the current agreement is set to expire on 13 December 2024, the NT Government is negotiating a new five-year agreement, NT DAMA III, with the Department of Home Affairs. This next phase aims to enhance the program with an expanded occupations list, streamlined application processes, and other improvements to better serve businesses and migrants.

While every effort is being made to ensure a smooth transition, NT DAMA III is anticipated to commence by mid to late January 2025, which will result in a temporary suspension of the program. Here’s a detailed guide to help businesses navigate this period.

Key Deadlines and Processes

1. Endorsement Applications:

   • All new and subsequent endorsement applications under the current NT DAMA must be submitted to MigrationNT by Friday, 6 December 2024.
   • Applications must be complete and decision-ready, as any delays could result in applications not being processed before the program’s expiry on 13 December 2024.
   • The NT DAMA portal will close after 13 December 2024, and no new applications will be accepted until NT DAMA III is implemented.

2. Labour Agreements and Nominations:

   • Businesses endorsed by MigrationNT before 13 December 2024 can continue to lodge labour agreement requests and nomination applications with the Department of Home Affairs, even after the program’s expiration.
   • Approved occupation ceilings will remain valid, enabling businesses to lodge nominations and visa applications for the 12-month period following endorsement.

   Example: If a business is endorsed on 30 November 2024 and its labour agreement is approved on 16 December 2024, it can use the first-year ceilings until 16 December 2025, even though NT DAMA would no longer be in effect from 13 December 2024.

3. Skills Assessments:

   • Applications for skills assessments for employees of businesses submitting endorsements by 6 December 2024 will continue to be processed.

Transitioning to NT DAMA III

Once NT DAMA III is operational, businesses can expect:

• Detailed information on the new application processes and program settings.
• Continuation of nomination applications under existing agreements for businesses with valid labour agreements.
• The need to apply for re-endorsement and a new 5-year labour agreement to access additional ceilings or new provisions under NT DAMA III.

Managing the Transition

To minimize disruption during the brief suspension of the program, businesses are encouraged to:

• Submit all necessary applications as early as possible to avoid delays.
• Ensure that endorsement applications are decision-ready and comply with the outlined requirements.
• Stay updated on announcements regarding NT DAMA III by maintaining communication with MigrationNT.

Support and Assistance

The NT Government acknowledges the temporary challenges posed by this transition and is committed to ensuring businesses are well-supported. For queries or further assistance, contact MigrationNT:

• Email: migration@nt.gov.au
• Phone: (08) 8999 5264

This transition marks an exciting step forward for the NT DAMA program. With NT DAMA III, businesses can look forward to enhanced migration pathways and greater flexibility to address workforce needs.

Need help navigating these changes? Contact IME Advisors for expert migration assistance. Let us make your transition to NT DAMA III seamless and stress-free!