Australia’s NSW proposes new migration pathway for regional workers; Indians may benefit

New South Wales (NSW) in Australia is consulting on a proposed state-led migration agreement that could create additional employer-sponsored work and migration opportunities for skilled Indian professionals seeking to move to regional areas.

The proposed Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) covers a range of occupations, including nurses, aged care workers, chefs, cooks, mechanics, electricians, construction workers and other skilled trades. Some of the occupations under consideration are not currently included in Australia's standard skilled occupation lists.

Also read: Turkiye, Australia outline COP31 climate action agenda


The proposal also includes a potential pathway to permanent residency for workers employed in occupations approved under the agreement. However, the final eligibility conditions and occupation lists are yet to be confirmed.

Proposed age and salary concessions

The proposed agreement could introduce age concessions for selected occupations, potentially allowing some older skilled workers to qualify for employer-sponsored migration.

For higher-skilled occupations in inland regional NSW, the maximum eligible age could increase to 55 years. For coastal regional NSW, the proposed limit could rise to 50 years. Different age limits would apply to certain trade occupations.

Selected occupations in inland regional areas could also qualify for salary concessions. Under the proposal, eligible employers could pay at least 90% of the applicable skilled migration income threshold, provided they meet the other employment requirements.

These concessions could be relevant to Indian professionals whose occupations or personal circumstances make it difficult to qualify under existing skilled migration arrangements. However, the proposed provisions are subject to further discussions and approval by the Australian Government.

Also read: Australia's 2024 rule lets US, UK, Canada and New Zealand residents join its military without citizenship. Check eligibility, age limit and more

DAMA requires employer sponsorship

A DAMA is an agreement between the Australian Government and a designated regional authority that allows approved employers to sponsor eligible overseas workers for occupations covered by the agreement. It can provide access to occupations and concessions that may not be available through standard skilled migration arrangements.

For Indian nationals considering employment in regional Australia, the proposed NSW agreement could expand the range of jobs through which they may be eligible for employer-sponsored migration.

However, the proposal is not yet an operational visa pathway. The final occupation lists, concessions and implementation arrangements will depend on further consultation and approval from the Australian Government.

DAMA is also different from Australia's points-tested skilled migration visas, including Subclass 189, 190 and 491. It is an employer-sponsored pathway, meaning prospective applicants would generally need an eligible employer in a designated regional area willing to sponsor them.

Feedback deadline

The NSW Government is accepting feedback on the proposal until Friday, October 16, 2026. Indian professionals already working in regional NSW, as well as those exploring employment opportunities in the state, can monitor the consultation for updates on eligible occupations and potential concessions.

Workers should note that the proposed agreement does not guarantee visa eligibility or permanent residency. They will need to meet the final requirements once the agreement is approved and implemented. The proposed occupation lists and consultation details are available through the official NSW Government website, where interested individuals and employers can review the proposal and submit feedback before the deadline.