Tiếng ViệtOverview of NT DAMA III
The Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) is the latest version of Australia’s labor migration program tailored specifically for the Northern Territory. Effective from March 19, 2025, to June 30, 2030, NT DAMA III allows local employers to recruit international workers across an expanded list of 325 eligible occupations, with an annual quota of up to 1,500 positions. This policy is designed to address the severe labor shortages in the Northern Territory.
With a broader range of sectors covered—including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and tourism—the program also features lower requirements for work experience and English language proficiency compared to other skilled migration programs. These favorable conditions create significant opportunities for foreign workers, including those from Vietnam.
Agricultural Visa Subclass 403 – A Strategic Complement to NT DAMA III
Alongside NT DAMA III, since 2024, the Australian Government has also implemented the Agricultural Visa (subclass 403) specifically for Vietnam. This visa allows up to 1,000 Vietnamese workers per year to work in Australia’s agricultural sector, with a maximum stay of up to four years. This initiative significantly enhances the ability of Australian employers to recruit and sponsor Vietnamese workers, thereby strongly supporting investment and cooperation projects between Vietnam and the Northern Territory.
The Pioneering Role of Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ
Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) and Chairman of the Vietnam–Northern Territory Business Council (NTVBC), has long played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between Vietnam and the Northern Territory. Since 2013, he has taken the lead in laying the groundwork, building bridges, and promoting investment relations across a wide range of sectors in the region.
Most recently, from May 19 to May 23, 2025, Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ accompanied Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Phạm Hùng Tâm on an official visit to the Northern Territory. During the mission, Mr. Mỹ participated in high-level meetings and delivered key remarks to further deepen investment ties between the two sides
Priority Areas for Investment Cooperation:
- Red meat supply chain
- Vietnam Product Showroom and Distribution Center in Darwin
- Agri-business
- Recreational and experiential tourism in the Northern Territory
- Construction and interior supply chain
- Logistics
Vietnam–Northern Territory Investment Promotion Seminar
To concretize new cooperation opportunities, VAFIE and NTVBC are planning to organize an investment promotion seminar between Vietnam and the Northern Territory in Q3 or Q4 of 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. The conference will serve as a platform for businesses from both sides to meet in person, exchange information, establish connections, and form effective and sustainable investment projects.