South Australia Extends DAMA Program and Updates PR Pathways

South Australia’s two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) have been extended until June 30, 2026.

The current DAMA occupations are retained and can be accessed on the Move to South Australia website.

South Australia has also retained the age concession of up to 55 years, a 10% reduction to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), as well as English and work experience concessions.

The pathway to permanent residency for clients holding the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa has been reduced to two years. These clients can now apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visa after holding the 482 visa for a period of two years.

From July 1, 2025 occupations listed on specific Industry Labour Agreements can no longer be utilized under the South Australian DAMA program if the occupation is also available on an Industry Labour Agreement.

As an example, Aged Care providers will be unable to access certain occupations under the South Australian DAMA program, instead, they will need to utilize the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ACILA) or alternative programs such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The South Australian Government plans to negotiate a new five-year statewide DAMA with the Commonwealth Government in 2025–26.

Erickson Insights & Analysis

Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.