If you're a small business owner in regional Australia struggling to find reliable staff, you're not alone. The Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is one of the most powerful tools available to employers like you — including those running local grocery stores, convenience shops, or other retail outlets.

This guide explains exactly how a small retail business with only four employees successfully used Orana DAMA to sponsor a General Clerk and Store Person — and how you can do the same.

Real Example: How a Local Grocer Secured Two Sponsored Workers

A small retail grocery business in the Orana region of NSW, with just four staff, recently secured two DAMA positions:

• 1 x General Clerk (ANZSCO 531111)
• 1 x Stores Person (ANZSCO 891611)

Despite being a micro-business, they were eligible because they had genuine labour needs, met compliance requirements, and could show they tried to recruit locally first.

Step-by-Step Process – For Employers Only

Here’s the step-by-step process you’ll need to follow as a business owner:

Step 1: Apply for DAMA Endorsement

Start by applying to Regional Development Australia – Orana for occupation endorsement. This is where you ask permission to sponsor specific roles under DAMA.

You’ll need to provide:

• Labour Market Testing (proof you advertised locally)
• Business documents showing you’re a legitimate employer
• A statement justifying why you need these roles

In our case study, the employer provided Seek and Indeed job ads plus payroll and business turnover data.

Step 2: Apply for a Labour Agreement (with Home Affairs)

Once endorsed, you apply for a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.

This is a formal contract between you and the Australian Government. It allows you to sponsor overseas workers under special DAMA concessions (e.g. lower English, reduced salary thresholds).

You can request approval for multiple roles over a 5-year period — not just a one-off hire.

Step 3: Nominate the Positions

After your Labour Agreement is approved, you can lodge nominations for your chosen candidates.

You’ll need to show:

• Labour Market Testing (again)
• ANZSCO-matched job descriptions
• Salary aligned with TSMIT (concessions may apply)

Our case study employer nominated one overseas general clerk with 2+ years' admin experience and a stores person with stock handling skills.

Step 4: Lodge the Visa Applications

Finally, your candidates apply for a Skills in Demand (SiD) visa (previously Subclass 482), based on your approved nomination.

They must meet:

• DAMA-specific English and skills concessions
• Health and character requirements

Visa decisions are typically made within a few months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and department processing times.

Let’s Talk About the Cost – It’s Not Cheap

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand that DAMA is a high-commitment pathway – and it comes with a price tag.

While it’s an excellent long-term workforce solution, you should be aware of the cost structure:

Estimated Government Fees

Depending on the number of positions and stages, expect to pay between:

• $10,000 to $20,000 AUD in Department of Home Affairs charges (endorsement, labour agreement, nomination, SAF levy, visa application).

Migration Agent / Lawyer Fees

In addition to government costs, professional fees for preparing and lodging the full process (endorsement, agreement, nomination, visa) will vary based on:

• The number of roles being sponsored
• The complexity of your business structure
• Whether you choose a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer

These fees are separate and usually range from $5,000 to $10,000+ per candidate, depending on the provider.

Final Word of Caution

DAMA is not a quick or cheap fix. It’s a strategic investment for employers who are serious about building a stable, long-term workforce in regional Australia. While the upfront costs are significant, the long-term benefits — workforce stability, business continuity, and employee retention — often justify the expense.

If you’re considering this pathway, make sure you're ready financially and operationally to support your sponsored staff.

Final Advice for Employers

If you're running a retail business in regional NSW and tired of job ads going unanswered — this is your chance. DAMA isn’t just for big companies; it’s a game-changer for small employers who are doing it tough.

Ready to begin?
Our team at Growmore Immigration can help you:

• Prepare your DAMA endorsement
• Handle the Labour Agreement application
• Manage nominations and visa processing

Still got questions?
Post them in our Growmore Community Q&A forum or book a business strategy consultation with our migration team.