12/12/2025
Far North DAMA – and
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has advised that it has recently received a number of enquiries regarding whether Labour Market Testing (LMT) is required for the ENS 186 visa option.
These questions have arisen because FNQ DAMA labour agreements only require evidence of LMT for the SID 482 and SESR 494 visa options, yet in some instances the Department of Home Affairs has requested evidence of LMT at the ENS nomination stage.
Following communication between the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and the Department's Labour Agreement Section, the following updated advice has now been provided:
While LMT is not a legislative requirement for occupations or positions seeking the ENS 186 option, it remains policy that both the Designated Area Representative (DAR) and the Department of Home Affairs may request evidence of labour market testing.
This may be sought to determine whether the employer has made genuine efforts to recruit Australians, whether the position is genuinely needed and consistent with DAMA objectives to address regional skill shortages, and whether the request aligns with program integrity and compliance with Labour Agreement conditions.
Source: Migration Institute of Australia
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