The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement II (NT DAMA II) has been extended by one year and will now remain valid until 13 December 2024. Alongside this extension, several significant changes have been introduced to facilitate easier access for NT employers. The key changes are as follows:
- Expansion of Eligible Occupations: An additional 11 occupations have been included, bringing the total number of eligible occupations to 135.
- Reduced Income Threshold: The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been lowered to $55,000 for selected occupations, making it more accessible for employers and workers.
- Simplified Pathway to Permanent Residency: A more streamlined pathway to permanent residency is now available, allowing overseas workers to be nominated for the permanent subclass 186 visa after working full-time in the NT in eligible occupations for at least two years.
These changes aim to attract more skilled workers to the Northern Territory, supporting local businesses and the economy.
