Goldfields program sponsoring skilled migrants to work in region to be replaced with State agreement

A Goldfields program which has helped local businesses fill skill gaps with overseas workers since 2019 will not be renewed.

Instead, the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement will come under the WA Designated Area Migration Agreement from April next year.

The Goldfields agreement has been a vital program enabling employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers through various visa pathways, helping address critical skill shortages in the region.

But after a recent meeting between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Federal Department of Home Affairs, the city was notified the program would expire on April 4, 2026 and transition to the newly launched WA DAMA.

This was despite the city wanting it to be extended for another year, after successful extensions to the original five-year agreement in 2024 and this year.

City mayor Glenn Wilson said the program had played a vital role in the region and the city would continue to advocate for regional migration support.

“The Goldfields DAMA has been an important program for our region, helping local businesses fill critical skill gaps and welcoming skilled workers who have become a valued part of our community,” he said.

“We have seen DAMA applications grow significantly from 2023 to 2024 to nearly 60 per cent.

“We want employers to know that the city will continue to strongly advocate for regional migration support at both State and Federal levels, acknowledging the unique challenges of sourcing skilled workers in the Goldfields.”

To ensure a smooth transition, the city is working with the Department of Home Affairs and the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development and is still taking applications for endorsement of new labour agreements or deed of variations on existing agreements.

But it advises people to submit these applications before the end of February next year to enable time for processing.

There were 145 occupations included in the Goldfields DAMA, with the top three sectors being mining, hospitality and agriculture.