More Time, More Opportunities: WA and SA DAMAs Extended Until Late 2026

Good news for both Australian employers and skilled migrants.

The Australian Government has announced extensions to the WA Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) and South Australia's existing DAMAs, giving regional businesses more time to sponsor overseas skilled workers under the current arrangements.

If you're an employer experiencing skill shortages or a skilled worker looking for regional sponsorship opportunities, these extensions provide additional certainty while new long-term agreements are being finalised.

WA Goldfields DAMA Extended Until 31 December 2026:

The Goldfields DAMA has been extended until 31 December 2026, allowing eligible employers in the region to continue accessing overseas workers under the existing agreement for an additional six months.

The Goldfields DAMA had originally been scheduled to transition to the statewide WA DAMA from 1 July 2026. However, the extension means businesses can continue using the current program until the end of the year.

To sponsor a worker under the Goldfields DAMA, employers must:

• Obtain endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the region's Designated Area Representative (DAR). 

• Apply for a DAMA Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. 

• Nominate and sponsor eligible overseas workers under the approved agreement. 

This extension provides valuable continuity for employers who are currently recruiting or planning to fill ongoing workforce shortages.

South Australia DAMAs Extended Until 30 September 2026:

South Australia has also extended its two existing Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) until 30 September 2026.

The extension ensures employers can continue sponsoring skilled overseas workers while the Australian and South Australian Governments finalise a new five-year statewide DAMA.

Importantly, nothing changes during the extension period. Employers and applicants can continue using:

• The existing occupation lists. 

• Current eligibility requirements. 

• The concessions introduced under the June 2025 agreements. 

  
  

This provides certainty for businesses with ongoing recruitment needs and for skilled workers planning to apply through the South Australian DAMA pathway.

What This Means for Employers and Skilled Migrants:

These extensions allow eligible employers to continue addressing workforce shortages without interruption, while giving skilled migrants additional opportunities to secure regional sponsorship.

If you are:

• An employer, now is a good time to assess whether your business may be eligible to sponsor overseas workers under a DAMA. 

• A skilled worker, these extensions may provide extra time to explore sponsorship opportunities in regional Western Australia or South Australia before the new agreements commence. 

While the current arrangements remain unchanged, further updates are expected as both jurisdictions move towards their new long-term DAMA agreements.

If you're considering sponsoring an overseas employee or applying through a DAMA pathway, obtaining professional advice early can help you understand your eligibility and prepare for any upcoming changes.

How SCA Connect Can Help:

SCA Connect can assist both employers and skilled workers with:

• DAMA eligibility assessment 

• Employer endorsement guidance 

• Labour Agreement applications 

• Nomination and visa application preparation 

• Advice on occupation lists, concessions, and requirements 

• Ongoing support from start to finish 

Book a consultation with one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.