LABOUR AGREEMENTS AUSTRALIA
Labour Agreements in the Australian workplace
At MigrationBuro, we specialise in labour agreements. We help your business access these programs and align migration with your workforce needs.
What is a Labour Agreement?
A Labour Agreement is a formal agreement between a business and the Australian Government.
It allows employers to sponsor overseas workers when standard visa options are not suitable.
These agreements are used when there is a genuine labour shortage. That is, when suitable Australian workers are not available.
As a result, Labour Agreements provide more flexibility in occupations and visa conditions.
In some cases, concessions may apply. These can relate to age, English language, or salary requirements.
However, each agreement is customised. Therefore, requirements will vary depending on the business and industry.
Types of Labour Agreements
There are several types of Labour Agreements. Each one is designed for a different business need.
As a result, the right option depends on your business, industry, and location. Therefore, choosing the correct agreement is a critical first step.
In some cases, a Labour Agreement may also provide a pathway to permanent residence through employer-sponsored visas
Company-Specific Agreements
Used by individual businesses with unique workforce needs.
Industry Agreements
Designed for sectors with ongoing labour shortages.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Used in regional areas with specific workforce demands.
Project Agreements
Used for large-scale projects with high labour requirements.
Company-Specific Labour Agreements
Tailored solutions for unique workforce gaps
These are tailored agreements negotiated directly with the Government for an individual business. They are ideal where a company has unique skill shortages that cannot be addressed through standard visa programs. This is the most flexible option and often used by growing businesses with specialised roles
Purpose
- For Unique, company-specific skills needs to address genuine skills shortages not covered by other programs.
Visa Terms
- Negotiated when employers request specific concessions based on their distinct workforce requirements.
Concessions Available
- Occupation, Salary, Skills, Work Experience, English language & Age.
Employer Acess
- Employers must provide compelling evidence of their niche skill needs and conduct stakeholder engagement.
- Local recruitment efforts required to support the Labour Agreement Request.
Company-specific Labour Agreements require a tailored and well-supported business case to succeed. We work with your business to structure, justify and negotiate a customised solution that meets your workforce needs.
Industry Labour Agreements
Scalable hiring for industry-wide shortages
These apply to entire sectors experiencing ongoing shortages, such as aged care, agriculture or hospitality. They allow multiple employers to access a pre-approved framework without needing to negotiate from scratch
Purpose
- Addresses Sector-Specific Needs in industries with ongoing skill shortages.
Visa Terms
- Fixed Terms and Conditions
set out in a template agreement established in consultation with industry bodies and Home Affairs.
Concessions available
- Occupation, Salary, Skills, Work Experience, English language & Age.
- Industry-specific occupations may go beyond standard program occupation lists.
Employer Access
- Eligible businesses can apply under established agreements:
- Available for:
- Advertising
- Aged Care
- Dairy
- Fishing
- Horticulture
- Meat
- Minister of Religion
- On-hire
- Pork
- Restaurant (Fine Dining)
Industry Labour Agreements offer a streamlined pathway for employers in high-demand sectors. Our team helps assess eligibility, align with industry requirements, and implement a compliant sponsorship strategy with confidence.
Designated Afea Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Regional growth through flexible migration pathways
DAMA agreements are designed for regional Australia, giving employers access to broader occupations and concessions to attract workers to regional areas.
Purpose
- Focused on Regional Workforce Needs to alleviate local skill shortages.
Visa Terms
- Fixed Terms and Conditions –set out in a template agreement established in consultation with Regional area stakeholders and Home Affairs.
Concessions avaialble
- Occupation, Salary, Skills, Work Experience, English language & Age.
- Industry-specific occupations may go beyond standard program occupation lists.
Employer Access
- Regional businesses can apply to the regional body for endorsement under the established agreements.
- DAMAs are available in:
- Goldfields, WA
- Pilbara, WA
- South West, WA
- East Kimberley, WA
- Western Australia
- Adelaide City (Technology and Innovation Advancement), SA
- South Australia Regional, SA
- Far North Queensland, QLD
- Townsville, QLD
- Goulburn Valley, VIC
- Great South Coast, VIC
- Northern Territory, NT
- Orana, NSW
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) provide valuable concessions for regional employers. We guide you through the endorsement and nomination process to help you secure the skilled and semi-skilled workers you need.
Project Agreements
Powering major projects with global talent
Used for large-scale infrastructure or resource projects, these agreements support high-volume recruitment over a defined period.
Selecting the right agreement is a strategic decision that impacts visa options, concessions, and long-term workforce planning.
Purpose
- For Large-Scale Projects – major resource or infrastructure projects experiencing genuine skill shortages.
Visa Terms
- Negotiated between a project company and Home Affairs. Government endorsement for project required.
Concessons Available
- Occupation, Salary, Skills, Work Experience, English language & Age.
- Only approved occupations relevant to the project may be included in the Agreement.
Employer Access
- Employers involved in the project apply for Labour Agreements – a strong business case is required.
Project Labour Agreements involve complex, large-scale workforce planning. We support your organisation from initial strategy through to execution, ensuring your recruitment approach aligns with government expectations and project timelines.
How MigrationBuro Assists
MigrationBuro takes the complexity out of the Labour Agreement process so you can focus on securing the skilled workforce your business needs to grow and operate with confidence.
We provide clear, end-to-end support. As a result, you can manage the process with confidence.
Labour Agreements are tailored arrangements. Therefore, each application requires a structured approach.
Our services include:
- Eligibility and strategy assessment – We identify the right Labour Agreement for your business.
- Business Case Preparation – We prepare a strong submission to show labour shortages and justify concessions
- Application preparation and lodgement – We manage all documents and ensure compliance with Department requirements
- Government liaison and negotiation – We handle communication with the Department and support agreement terms
- Ongoing advisory and compliance support – We guide you through nominations, visas, and ongoing obligations.
As a result, your application is well-positioned for approval. It also supports long-term workforce planning.
Secure the workforce your business needs. Speak to our migration agents today for tailored advice.
Labour Agreement Requirements
Labour Agreements are only available where standard visa programs do not meet a business’s needs.
To qualify, employers must show a genuine and ongoing labour shortage. This means there are no suitably skilled Australian workers available.
In addition, businesses must demonstrate that they are lawfully operating in Australia. They must also show a strong record of compliance with workplace and immigration laws.
Employers are required to consult with relevant stakeholders. This may include unions or industry bodies.
Importantly, the terms and conditions offered to overseas workers must align with Australian standards. This includes salary, working conditions, and employment protections.
Labour Agreement Process (Step-by-Step)
Understanding the Labour Agreement Australia process is critical, as it differs significantly from standard employer sponsorship and requires upfront strategy and planning.
The Labour Agreement process involves several key stages.
First, the business identifies the need for a Labour Agreement. This includes confirming that standard visa pathways are not suitable.
Next, the employer undertakes stakeholder consultation. This step must be completed before lodging the request.
The business then prepares and submits a Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs.
After submission, the Department assesses the application. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request.
Once approved, the employer can nominate overseas workers under the agreement. Visa applications can then be lodged.
Labour Agreement Concessions and Benefits
Labour Agreements can provide flexibility where standard visa requirements cannot be met.
In some cases, concessions may apply to age, English, or salary requirements.
You must negotiate and clearly justify these concessions
As a result, businesses can access a broader pool of skilled workers.
At the same time, Labour Agreements ensure that Australian employment standards are maintained. This includes fair salary levels and appropriate working conditions.
Overall, Labour Agreements provide a structured pathway to address ongoing labour shortages while supporting business growth.
Need expert business and corporate immigration advice?
Let us guide you through the process.
Migration experience you can Trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 15 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
