The Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) allows Far North Queensland (FNQ) employers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. Individual job-seekers cannot apply for a visa independently and must be sponsored by an employer/company.
The FNQ DAMA is tailored to address current and emerging labour market shortages and local terms and conditions of employment and utilises the labour agreement stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). Businesses approved for a labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs can nominate overseas workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS subclass 482) visa program. Employers must first be endorsed by the Designated Area Representative (DAR) before submitting a DAMA Labour Agreement request with the Department of Home Affairs.
The key elements of FNQ DAMA are:
- pathways to permanent residency for holders of TSS visas granted under the FNQ DAMA in select occupations
- a broad range of occupations that reflect FNQ skilled and semi-skilled shortages, with no caveats to apply
- English language concessions for some occupations
- salary concessions that reflect FNQ market rates, ensuring that worker terms and conditions of employment are not eroded
- concessions relating to qualifications and experience for some occupations
- a range of risk and integrity actions to ensure that the rights of both employees and employers are protected
- a five year agreement to reduce red tape.
The FNQ DAMA also features:
- 70 occupations for employer sponsorship, including three non-ANZSCO occupations
- pathways to permanent residency for holders of TSS visas granted under the FNQ DAMA in select occupations
- a broad range of occupations that reflect FNQ skilled and semi-skilled shortages, with no caveats to apply
- English language concessions for some occupations
- salary concessions that reflect FNQ market rates, ensuring that worker terms and conditions of employment are not eroded
- concessions relating to qualifications and experience for some occupations
- a range of risk and integrity actions to ensure that the rights of both employees and employers are protected
- a five-year agreement to reduce red tape.
View the full FNQ DAMA skilled occupation list by, clicking the link below:
https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/files/media/original/35d/1c0/536/FNQ-DAMA—Occupation-List-20190909-.pdf
