Saurabh Anand, who survived a brutal machete attack at Central Square Shopping Centre in Melbourne’s west on 2 August, has been granted a new visa by the Australian Government.
Four teenagers, aged between 14 and 15, have been charged over the incident with offences ranging from assault to robbery.
Mr Anand, who has lived, studied, and worked in Australia for the past seven years, was facing uncertainty as his temporary visa was set to expire this month.
With support from Federal MP Tim Watts office who is also his local MP, the Australian Government ordered a ministerial intervention to provide him with a new temporary visa on Friday.
The visa will ensure continuity of his medical care as he recovers from the attack and also gives him the opportunity to keep pursuing his permanent residency.
Mr Watts who is also the Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs said that his community was horrified by what happened to Saurabh.
“His visa status was the last thing he should have to worry about after such a terrible incident and I’m relieved he now has the certainty to recover and thrive in Australia in the way our whole community wants him to.”
Assistant Minister for Citizenship Julian Hill said that nothing can undo the horrific injuries Mr Anand experienced at the hands of violent criminals and he wished him and his family well during this time of recovery.
“It’s only fair to ensure Mr Anand can receive the care he needs here in Australia without having to worry about his visa status. He has lived, worked and studied in Australia for seven years and has skills that Australia needs. The advocacy of Tim Watts and others in the community has been a great support to Mr Anand and his family in this difficult time.”
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Mr Anand had shared his ordeal and the challenges that he was facing after the brutal attack.
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