International student who helped Bondi terror attack victims pleas to stay in Australia

Abdullah Ashraf, a law student from Pakistan, had his student visa lapse while on compassionate leave from his studies in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack during December 14th, 2025. Ashraf, who was driving a rideshare car at the time, said an instinct kicked-in when he heard gunshots near the beach, so he helped an injured police officer and also cared for a young mother after getting her children to safety. He also tried to help a French man who died while holding his hand.

Due to the trauma experienced from the attack, Ashraf struggled with his studies and ended up having to take compassionate leave. Unfortunately, his student visa lapsed during that period, but his plea for applying for a new one is currently still under strong uncertainty.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said the Australian government recognised the “courage and selflessness of individuals who assist others during emergency situations” but declined to comment on Ashraf’s case.

When asked if he would like to stay in Australia long term, Mr Ashraf said that would be “life-changing”, and that he wants to achieve his dream of working with the Aboriginal Legal Service, an organisation he had been volunteering with during his studies.