International student left paralysed in alleged Hobart assault granted permanent residency

An International student who was left paralysed after an alleged attack in Hobart has been granted permanent residency in Australia.

33-year-old University of Tasmania student Devarshi Deka was placed in an induced coma after the alleged assault in November last year.

He awoke months later with significant brain damage, partial blindness and unable to walk.

His family and friends feared that his student visa expiring would mean he’d be forced to return to India, where he wouldn’t have access to the necessary support.

Deka’s friend and advocate Ric Kaushik, who rallied the community, launched a crowdfunding campaign and lobbied government officials to push for permanent residency, shared the news online on Sunday night.

Devarshi Deka with his parents and friend Ric Kaushik. Image / Facebook

“Dave was so happy that he was in tears and now he doesn’t have to go back to India. His care can be taken care of,” Kaushik said.

“This is not just a visa, this is his entire life. They’ve actually given him a second life by keeping him here and giving him care that he deserves.”

Outgoing Immigration Minister Andrew Giles granted Deka’s visa through ministerial intervention, making it a last-minute decision before stepping down from the portfolio.

He also acknowledged the support of Tasmanian Labor MP Josh Willie and Greens MP Helen Burnett in the campaign.

“Against all the odds, against thousands of people telling me that this isn’t possible, you would not be able to do it or this will take years to happen,” Kaushik said.

“I just want to say it has happened and Dave is a permanent resident. He is a Tasmanian and he will live with us and get better.”