Doctor with Down syndrome son to stay

CANBERRA, Australia, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A German doctor with a Down syndrome son was given permission Wednesday to remain in Australia when the immigration minister reversed his own department.

Dr. Bernhard Moeller and his family had been rejected for permanent residence twice out of fear that Lukas Moeller, 13, might be dependent on public welfare. But Chris Evans, the Australian Immigration minister, announced during Senate question time that he had decided the family should stay, The Australian reported.

"It was clear to me that Doctor Moeller and his family are making a very valuable contribution to their local community," Evans said. "Doctor Moeller is providing a much needed service in the area, the family have integrated very well and they have substantial community support."

Moeller emigrated to Australia in response to a recruitment drive for doctors to serve in rural areas. He practices in Horsham, a town of 19,000 in Victoria about halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide.