OVERSEAS-QUALIFIED retail pharmacists can no longer access special visa provisions if they work in the Northern Territory, under a revised Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) between the NT Government and the Commonwealth.
The new pact - which notably now also allows eligible visa holders to apply for Australian permanent residency after three years of working in the Territory - prescribes a range of eligible "shortage occupations" where employers can recruit skilled migrants if they are unable to fill positions locally.
An additional 36 occupations have been added to the five-year agreement, including Pharmacy Technicians, but the previous option allowing employment of Retail Pharmacists under DAMA is no longer available.
Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said "DAMA II" was an example of the Government using Australia's migration program to benefit specific locations.
"Our first priority is always to fill jobs with Australians, but the immigration system can play an important role in helping to address regional skills gaps," Coleman said.
"Every Territorian benefits when we attract more people to the Territory," NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner added.
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