Pakistani student who aided Bondi Beach attack victims seeks visa to stay in Australia

Abdullah Ashraf, a law student from Pakistan studying at the University of New South Wales, was behind the wheel of a rideshare vehicle when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people. He helped an injured police officer, moved a mother and her children to safety, and comforted French victim Dan Elkayam as he passed away. The experience caused severe trauma, leading him to take compassionate leave on his doctor's recommendation, during which his student visa lapsed.

Ashraf has now submitted a new visa application and is pleading with the Home Affairs minister for permission to remain in Australia. The federal government has previously granted permanent residency to other individuals who displayed bravery during the same attack, including Muhammad Taha, Damien Guerot, Geffen Bitton, and Rahemath Pasha. Ashraf hopes to continue volunteering with the Aboriginal Legal Service if his request is approved.