Australia and permanent residency

German doctor with disabled son granted residency by immigration minister | National News | News.com.au

German doctor with disabled son granted residency by immigration minister

November 26, 2008 02:24pm


A DECISION to deny a German doctor and his family permanent residency because his son had Down syndrome has been overturned by the immigration minister.

Bernhard Moeller, a specialist physician, moved his family to Horsham, in Victoria's west, two years ago to help fill a doctor shortage.

But the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) yesterday upheld the immigration department's decision to deny Dr Moeller's permanent visa application because his 13-year-old son has Down syndrome and was deemed a potential drain on the health system.

Dr Moeller's case generated public outrage, putting pressure on immigration minister Chris Evans to intervene in the case.

Senator Evans said he received Dr Moeller's application for ministerial intervention this morning and approved it several hours later.

"It was clear to me that Dr Moeller and his family are making a very valuable contribution to their local community," Senator Evans told the Senate.

"Dr Moeller is providing a much needed service in the area, the family have integrated very well and they have substantial community support."

Their continued presence in Australia will be beneficial to our society, he said.

"I'm pleased they have chosen to call Australia home," he said.

Senator Evans expressed his regret at the stress the family had been subjected to throughout their application process.