Labour Agreements

Labour Agreements (LA) are formal arrangements negotiated between employers and the Australian Government, represented by the DIBP, which enables the approved business to obtain workers from overseas after exhausting all genuine efforts failing to find suitable workers from the Australian labor market. The agreements are generally in effect for three years and might include additional terms and conditions because labour agreements provide a variation to standard migration requirements.

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There are currently four main types of LA

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Company-Specific Labour Agreements

These agreements are developed directly with an individual business and are considered when there is a demonstrated need for a specific skill or occupation that is not covered by an existing industry agreement. The terms and conditions are negotiated on a case-by-case basis to meet the unique needs of the employer.

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Industry Labour Agreements

These provide fixed terms and conditions that have been agreed upon by the Minister in consultation with key industry stakeholders. They are designed for sectors where an ongoing labour shortage for specific skills is evident. Some existing agreements cover sectors such as dairy, fishing, meat, on-hire, and hospitality.

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Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

DAMAs are frameworks designed to address the unique economic and labour market conditions of a specific state, territory, or region. Under a DAMA, businesses can sponsor both skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas to fill critical gaps. A core principle of DAMAs is to ensure that priority is always given to Australian workers and to retain the existing local workforce.

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Project Agreements

These agreements allow major infrastructure or resource development projects to access skilled and specialised semi-skilled temporary overseas workers when they are experiencing genuine skills or labour shortages. Project agreements are designed to complement existing government initiatives, ensuring that a lack of skilled workers does not create constraints on major projects or jeopardise Australian jobs.

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Contact us for further details if this type of visa is appropriate for your organisation.

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Independent Migration: No.

Employer Nomination: Required. May be an employer or an industry group

State/Territory Government Nomination: Not required.

Family/Relative Sponsorship: Not required.

Permanent Migration Pathway: There are permanent residence visas available under a Labour Agreement (LA), being Subclass 186.

Employment Prospects: Contact usfor assistance with migrant employment solutions. If you match the skills requirements of an Australian employer, we can also help you with visa options.