Kimberley Designated Area Migration Agreement

Welcome to the new Kimberley DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) information site, where you will find everything you need to know about how it can work for you, how to access it for your business, and more. The Kimberley DAMA was achieved through a major collaborative effort by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and after being signed by the Minister for Immigration on 28 March 2022, is now in operation for five years. If not already, subscribe below for Kimberley DAMA updates, news, and tips.  

 

About the Kimberley DAMA   Accessing the Kimberley DAMA

 Kimberley DAMA – FAQ  Subscribe For Updates

 

The East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to sincerely thank the Kimberley Development Commission (KDC) for their very generous support through a Regional Economic Development grant, that has assisted us immensely to implement and administer the Kimberley DAMA. The KDC’s kind contribution has allowed us to make huge inroads to addressing labour shortage issues across the East Kimberley.

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Kimberley DAMA transition update – what you need to know (2026–2027)

You may have heard the Australian Government is shifting DAMA arrangements to a single, state-led model in each state. In WA, this is the WA State-Led DAMA administered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), with regions like the Kimberley expected to be recognised through region-specific schedules which we understand will include concessions and occupations you, our community have asked for.

The key message

We understand that certainty and continuity are critical for employers and workers in the Kimberley. The key message is that existing visas and approved labour agreements will continue to be honoured, and transitional arrangements are being designed to ensure Kimberley businesses and visa holders are not disadvantaged.

How EKCCI is advocating for continued local support

EKCCI has consistently advocated to ensure the shift to a state-led model does not dilute outcomes for remote regions and that Kimberley-specific needs remain recognised.

The East Kimberley Chamber have been servicing the migrant community through the Kimberley DAMA and through Settlement Services, a DTWD funded program to support and assist Migrants to settle into our Kimberley communities. This funding and program was ceased, however we are partnering with DTWD to continue this support and through this program, provide support for the WA DAMA during and post transition.

What’s happening with dates

  • The Kimberley DAMA head agreement is due to expire in March 2027.
  • Up to March 2027, Kimberley businesses can continue to:
    • apply for new endorsements
    • seek labour agreement variations
    • lodge nominations under approved agreements
  • From March 2027:
    • no new endorsements or variations can be issued under the Kimberley DAMA head agreement
    • employers can still use the occupations, concessions and nomination ceilings already approved in their individual labour agreements (until those agreements expire)

What Home Affairs is clarifying (important for planning)

Home Affairs’ guidance has encouraged EKCCI to urge our local businesses to have new labour agreements and any variations endorsed/executed before March 2027, and ensure nominations are lodged/approved while the individual labour agreement remains valid.
They’ve also confirmed:

  • the head agreement expiring does not invalidate approved individual labour agreements
  • a Deed of Variation to the WA DAMA is being developed, that promotes a ‘no disadvantage’ guiding principle
  • grandfathering arrangements are anticipated (subject to approval) for employers who miss the March 2027 window, and a transition flowchart is being developed

What to expect in 2026

In 2026, businesses can expect clearer guidance, including confirmation of WA DAMA regional schedules and practical “which pathway to use” information.

Businesses that think they’ll need extra positions later are strongly encouraged to plan now and apply for variations before March 2027.

Quick FAQs (for skim readers)

  • Will my current Kimberley DAMA workers be affected? No – visas and labour agreements remain valid for their approved term.
  • Should I apply now if I think I’ll need more workers later? Yes – plan early before March 2027.
  • Can I still nominate after March 2027? Yes, if your individual labour agreement is still valid and within approved ceilings.
  • Will Kimberley occupations be lost? Current advice is they’ll be retained as region-specific schedules (subject to final approvals).
  • What if I miss the March 2027 deadline? WA DAMA grandfathering arrangements are being developed (subject to approval).

EKCCI will continue to be the key contact point for Kimberley businesses and will share updates as arrangements are confirmed.

 

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