Attention Migrants! Goldfields DAMA to Become Part of WA DAMA

The Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has played a critical role in strengthening the workforce and economy of regional Western Australia. It has allowed local businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions that could not be filled locally, thereby bridging crucial skill gaps in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality.

However, as part of the Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA) effort to create a unified migration strategy across the state, the Goldfields DAMA will officially transition into the Western Australia DAMA (WA DAMA) on 4 April 2026.

This transition aims to simplify processes, streamline employer participation, and create consistency for regional migration pathways. While this change represents the end of an era for the Goldfields DAMA, it also opens the door to greater collaboration, long-term sustainability, and expanded opportunities for both employers and skilled workers.

Significance of the Transition to the WA DAMA

1. A Unified Approach to Regional Migration in Western Australia

The transition marks a significant policy shift toward centralizing regional migration under the broader WA DAMA framework. By aligning the Goldfields DAMA with the WA DAMA, the government aims to simplify application processes, reduce duplication, and ensure consistent eligibility standards across all participating regions.

This unified approach helps employers across WA access a streamlined, single-entry point for skilled migration support. It also ensures that businesses in the Goldfields region will benefit from shared state-level resources and coordination with the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD).

According to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this integration reflects a forward-looking strategy that strengthens regional communities while maintaining local flexibility.

2. Continuity and Protection for Existing Agreements

One of the biggest concerns among employers and visa holders has been the continuity of existing agreements during the transition period. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that all current conditions for employers and visa holders under the Goldfields DAMA will remain valid until the expiration of their agreements — many of which extend up to five years.

This ensures no disruption to existing workforce arrangements. Businesses that currently operate under the Goldfields DAMA can continue sponsoring workers, while visa holders retain their existing rights and conditions.

In other words, the transition is evolutionary, not disruptive — providing both consistency and confidence for regional employers and skilled migrants.

3. Timeline and Key Transition Milestones

The transition from Goldfields DAMA to the WA DAMA will officially take effect on 4 April 2026. However, there are several important milestones leading up to that date:

• Until February 2026: Employers can continue to submit new labour agreements or variations under the current Goldfields DAMA framework.

• March 2026: Final processing of applications submitted before the deadline.

• April 4, 2026: The official transition date when all new applications will fall under the WA DAMA structure.

  
  

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has committed to assisting all affected employers during the process and will maintain close coordination with DOHA and DTWD to ensure smooth handover procedures.

As per Mayor Glenn Wilson, the City remains focused on supporting local businesses through the change, emphasizing that the Goldfields region will continue to play a key role in attracting skilled workers to Western Australia.

4. Strong Growth and Impact of the Goldfields DAMA

Since its launch, the Goldfields DAMA has become one of the most successful regional migration programs in Western Australia. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder reported a 159% increase in applications from 2022 to 2024, showing strong demand among local employers for skilled international workers.

This surge reflects the DAMA’s proven ability to:

• Fill critical skill shortages in essential sectors.

• Support economic diversification in the Goldfields region.

• Encourage long-term regional settlement by skilled migrants and their families.

Mayor Wilson noted that the DAMA has “welcomed skilled workers who have become a valued part of our community.” This continued growth demonstrates the strategic importance of regional migration agreements in maintaining economic resilience and community development across Western Australia.

5. Collaboration and Regional Advocacy

The success of the Goldfields DAMA is rooted in collaboration — between local councils, state departments, and the federal government. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder continues to advocate strongly for regional migration support at both State and Federal levels, recognizing the unique challenges faced by regional employers in sourcing skilled talent.

By transitioning to the WA DAMA, the region will be better positioned to leverage statewide coordination, while maintaining a regional focus tailored to the Goldfields’ labour market needs.

This partnership approach ensures that local employers continue to have access to migration pathways that align with their industry priorities and skill demands.

6. Opportunities for Employers and Skilled Migrants

The transition to the WA DAMA presents expanded opportunities for both employers and skilled workers. For employers, it means access to:

• A wider pool of occupations eligible for sponsorship.

• Simplified administrative procedures under a single agreement.

• Greater flexibility to respond to evolving labour market conditions.

For skilled migrants, the WA DAMA opens doors to:

• Regional migration incentives, such as permanent residency pathways.

• Access to stable, long-term employment in high-demand industries.

• Opportunities to live and work in a community with strong economic potential.

Employers are encouraged to submit their applications early and seek professional migration advice to make the most of this opportunity.

? Related reading: Western Australia Issues New Invitations for Skilled Migrants

7. What the Transition Means for Regional Australia

Beyond the Goldfields, the transition represents a broader shift in how Australia supports regional migration. The integration of regional DAMAs into a unified framework like WA DAMA signals:

• Streamlined management across regional zones.

• Better alignment with Australia’s national migration priorities.

• Greater visibility and accessibility for both employers and migrants.

It also ensures that policy consistency is maintained while regional identity and flexibility are preserved — a crucial balance for sustainable migration growth.

The Broader Economic and Social Impact

The Goldfields DAMA has not only contributed to filling skill shortages, but has also played a vital role in community building. Skilled migrants often settle long-term, contributing to local schools, small businesses, and social infrastructure.

The transition to the WA DAMA is expected to build on this legacy, helping regions like the Goldfields continue to thrive. By integrating into a larger framework, the region gains access to a wider support network, improved policy backing, and streamlined processes that attract both domestic and international attention.

According to the official announcement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the city will directly contact all existing labour agreement holders to inform them about the changes and provide ongoing support.

How Employers Can Prepare for the Transition

To make the most of the transition, employers should:

1. Review their current DAMA agreement — understand validity, conditions, and expiry timelines.

2. Submit new or variation applications early, ideally before February 2026.

3. Consult a migration professional to assess eligibility under the WA DAMA framework.

4. Stay informed via official updates from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder website.

Early preparation ensures a seamless transition and continued access to skilled talent without disruption.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action (CTA)

The transition of the Goldfields DAMA to the WA DAMA marks a major evolution in Western Australia’s regional migration landscape. It demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to balancing local needs with statewide efficiency, ensuring that both employers and skilled migrants benefit from more accessible, flexible, and sustainable opportunities.

The Goldfields region’s remarkable success under its current DAMA will continue to serve as a foundation for growth under the new framework. With proper guidance and timely action, this transition can open new doors for businesses seeking skilled workers and individuals pursuing regional migration pathways.

If you are an employer or skilled professional affected by the transition — or looking to understand your visa options — now is the perfect time to seek expert advice.

? Visit A2Zimmi or book a consultation here to get personalized guidance from experienced immigration professionals.

Stay updated with more Australia migration news and regional program updates at ImmiNews Australia.