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

Find out the most important NT DAMA III transition updates. Find out about labor agreements, skills evaluations, endorsements, and how companies may get ready for the new program.

Significant modifications are being made to the Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA). The new program is anticipated to begin in late January 2025, as the Northern Territory and Australian governments’ NT DAMA II agreement ended on December 13, 2024.

Important updates and instructions have been included below to guarantee a seamless transition.

Endorsement Applications

Finalization of Current Applications: All applications for endorsement that were sent to Migration NT prior to December 13, 2024, have been completed.

Suspension of New Applications: New applications for endorsements are not being accepted using the online system. Once the NT DAMA III program is up and running, which should happen in late January 2025, it will reopen.

Labor Agreements and Nominations

Continuity for Endorsed Companies: NT companies who obtained approval by December 13, 2024, are permitted to keep lodging:
Requests for labor agreements.
Applications for nominations submitted to the Home Affairs Department.

Assurance of Assessment: In spite of the changeover, these applications and requests will continue to be evaluated.

Skills Assessments

Ongoing Assessments: Even after the NT DAMA II expires, applications for skills assessments for endorsed posts will still be collected and handled.

Preparing for NT DAMA III

NT DAMA III will have shortened application procedures and updated settings once it is up and running. Important things to think about throughout the changeover are:

Information Updates: The official website will provide comprehensive information on the new program.

Business Actions :

Nomination petitions may be submitted by companies having current NT DAMA II labor agreements up to their authorized ceilings.

Businesses are advised to get the necessary paperwork ready for NT DAMA III, even though new endorsements cannot be submitted during the transition. Keep in mind that when the new program launches, the documentation requirements can change.