If you’re a business owner having difficulties securing skilled workers from the local labour market, employer sponsorship may offer a suitable solution to help fill those gaps and help get your business working at full capacity.
There are several ways that an employer can sponsor workers, including via Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) or various types of Labour Agreements. Traditionally, SBS can be used for a wide range of skilled occupations from a relevant list. In recent years, there has also been an increasing focus on sponsorship for semi-skilled workers through various industry labour agreements, as well as company specific labour agreements, and Designated Area Labour Agreements (DAMAs).
What is a Labour Agreement?
A labour agreement is a formal agreement between an employer and the Australian government, allowing the recruitment of foreign workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or other visa pathways. These agreements are tailored to meet the specific needs of industries and regions experiencing critical skill shortages.
Why use a Labour Agreement?
For businesses unable to meet their workforce needs through standard skilled visa programs, labour agreements offer more flexibility. They can provide access to skilled workers for positions that may not be included on standard occupation lists and allow for some concessions not otherwise available through standard programs (ie Age, English language proficiency level, and minimum salary concessions).
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for industries facing chronic skill shortages, such as agriculture, aged care, dairy, and fishing industries. By utilising a labour agreement, you can attract appropriately qualified and skilled labour that may otherwise be very difficult to source, particularly in regional areas.
Types of Labour Agreements
1. Company-Specific Agreements: Tailored to address the unique needs of individual businesses where an occupation is not on the relevant list for Standard Business Sponsorship, or where a concession is being sought.
2. Industry Agreements: Designed for sectors with widespread shortages, such as meat processing, horticulture, dairy, fishing, and aged care.
3. Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA): Targeted for regional areas, providing access to a broader range of occupations and concessions to address specific local labour market needs.
What type of agreement is right for your business?
If you’re unsure what type of employer sponsorship program would best suit your needs, reach out for a chat with one of our qualified and experienced Registered Migration Agents today.
We can guide you on the best options for your business, and help you to formulate a plan to help ensure your business has the skilled labour needed to operate at its best!
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is designed to provide informative guidelines for general informational purposes only. The information provide is accurate during the time of publication. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
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