What is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and a regional, state, or territory authority. The primary goal of DAMAs is to address specific labour shortages in designated regions by offering more flexible migration solutions compared to the standard skilled migration programs.
Under DAMAs, regions gain access to a broader range of occupations and have the flexibility to set conditions that match their local labour market needs. This includes concessions on skills, experience, and English language requirements, making it easier to sponsor overseas workers.
Benefits for Migrants
For skilled migrants, DAMAs offer several advantages over standard migration pathways:
1. Broader Employment Opportunities
DAMAs allow for a wider range of occupations to be eligible for sponsorship, which means more opportunities to work in your field of expertise. Many occupations not part of national skilled lists can still be available under a DAMA.
2. Age Limit Concessions
Under most skilled programs, the age limit for permanent residency is 45. However, companies sponsoring workers under a DAMA can apply for permanent residency for candidates up to 55 years old, providing more flexibility for older skilled workers.
3. Salary Concessions
The standard minimum salary requirement of $73,000 per year can be a barrier in certain industries. DAMAs offer salary concessions, allowing employers to pay a lower wage and still sponsor skilled workers for temporary and permanent visas.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many DAMAs provide a pathway to permanent residency, offering a long-term solution for those looking to settle in Australia. Once you’ve met the necessary criteria, including work experience in a DAMA region, you can apply for permanent residence.
5. English-Language Concessions
Pharmacists without minimum English proficiency requirements for other visa pathways can benefit from English-language concessions under DAMA. These concessions allow for lower English requirements, making it easier for skilled migrants to qualify.
How DAMAs Work: A Step-by-Step Process
If you’re interested in working under a DAMA, here’s a simplified guide on how the process typically works:
- Research Available DAMA Regions: Identify regions that need workers in your occupation. Some well-known DAMA regions include the Northern Territory, Orana in New South Wales, and South Australia.
- Meet the Criteria: Each DAMA has its own set of requirements. Ensure that you meet the qualifications, including any specific concessions that might apply to your occupation.
- Secure Employer Sponsorship: Find a job in a DAMA region. Your employer must be approved under the DAMA to sponsor you.
- Apply for a DAMA Visa: Once you’ve secured a job offer, you can apply for one of the following visas:
- 4-year Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa.
- 5-year Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa.
- Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa could lead to permanent residency if you’re eligible.
DAMA Visa Requirements and Criteria
Eligibility for a DAMA visa hinges on several requirements:
1. DAMA Visa Age Limit
Candidates must be a specific age, typically under 45. However, certain DAMAs may allow for age concessions, extending eligibility up to 55.
2. Skills
Applicants must meet the assessment of the required skills and the English language benchmarks to ensure they are qualified to fill the regional labour shortages.
3. Nominated Occupation
The visa applicant must have a job offer in a nominated occupation that aligns with the skills shortages in the specific DAMA agreement.
4. Health and Character Checks
Additionally, candidates are subject to health and character checks before final approval of their visa application, ensuring they meet Australia’s migration standards.
Examples of DAMA Regions and Healthcare Occupations
Several DAMAs are currently in operation across Australia, each catering to the specific labor needs of their region. Here are some examples of the healthcare occupations in demand:
Northern Territory DAMA
- Pharmacy Technician
- Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
Western Australia DAMA
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Nurse
- Optometrist
Orana DAMA (New South Wales)
- Dentist
- General Practitioner
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Physiotherapist
- Retail Pharmacist
South Australia Regional Workforce DAMA
- Dentist
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Nurse
- Optometrist
How To Become A Pharmacist in Australia Under a DAMA?
1. Check Eligibility Criteria
First, make sure you meet the requirements set by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). You need:
- A Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
- Active registration as a practising pharmacist in your home country.
2. Apply for Initial Skills Assessment
Submit your qualifications to the APC. You’ll need:
- Your pharmacy degree and transcripts.
- Proof of current registration as a pharmacist.
- A valid passport.
- Work experience documents (if available).
3. Pass the OPRA Exam
After your qualifications are approved, take the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam. It tests areas like:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Therapeutics and Patient Care
The exam consists of 120 questions, completed in 2.5 hours.
4. Prove English Proficiency
You must show your English language skills by taking either:
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 7.5 (no band lower than 7).
- OET: Score at least 7 in each section.
5. Complete the Internship and Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
After passing the OPRA exam, complete an internship in Australia. You can apply for permanent registration after completing 75% of it.
6. Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
If you're applying for a skilled migration visa, submit an EOI. If approved, you may be invited to apply for a DAMA visa.
Final Thoughts
Designated Area Migration Agreements provide a win-win solution for regional communities and skilled migrants. They enable regional areas to overcome labour shortages while giving migrants access to jobs and residency opportunities that may not be available in major cities.
If you’re an overseas pharmacist looking to move to Australia, exploring DAMAs could be your first step towards a fulfilling career.
You can enrol in the OPRA Exam Preparation Course to pass the OPRA Exam on your first attempt and start your journey towards Australia. Fill out this form if you have any questions.
