Over the next five years, low-skilled migrants with limited English proficiency will be eligible to apply for permanent residency—provided they live and work in the Northern Territory for at least three years.
Low-skilled occupations refer to roles such as chefs, aged care workers, auto mechanics, and other positions that do not require advanced qualifications.
The Northern Territory has opened its doors to skilled migrants across 117 occupations, offering a clear pathway to permanent residency for those willing to live and work in the region for a minimum of three years.
This initiative is part of the Australian government’s broader strategy to ease population pressure on major cities like Sydney and Melbourne by encouraging migration to regional areas.
The program—known as the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)—has been implemented in two regions: Warrnambool in Victoria and the Northern Territory. These areas face labor shortages and are seeking population growth. The policy has been in effect since early 2019.
