Australia's New Migration Program: Important Changes to the NT DAMA Program

The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA) is undergoing significant changes. The NT DAMA II agreement between the Northern Territory and Australian governments expired on 13 December 2024, with the new program expected to launch in late January 2025.

To ensure a smooth transition, key updates and guidance have been provided below.

Endorsement Applications

• Finalisation of Existing Applications: All endorsement applications submitted to MigrationNT before 13 December 2024 have been processed.
• Suspension of New Applications: The online system is temporarily closed for new endorsement applications. It will reopen once the NT DAMA III program becomes operational, anticipated in late January 2025.

Labour Agreements and Nominations

• Continuity for Endorsed Businesses: NT businesses that secured endorsement by 13 December 2024 can continue lodging:
  • Labour agreement requests.
  • Nomination applications with the Department of Home Affairs.
• Assessment Assurance: These requests and applications will remain under assessment despite the transition.

Skills Assessments

• Ongoing Assessments: Skills assessment applications for endorsed positions will continue to be accepted and processed even after the NT DAMA II expiry.

Preparing for NT DAMA III

Once operational, NT DAMA III will include updated settings and streamlined application processes. Key considerations for the transition include:

• Information Updates: Comprehensive details about the new program will be shared on the official website.
• Business Actions:
  • Businesses with existing labour agreements under NT DAMA II can lodge nomination applications within their approved ceilings.
  • While new endorsements cannot be submitted during the transition, businesses are encouraged to prepare the required documentation for NT DAMA III. Note that documentation requirements may be updated when the new program launches.