NZ doctor faces Indonesia deportation

A New Zealand doctor working in Indonesia since the 2004 tsunami has had his passport seized and is likely to be deported.

Derek Allen 's New Zealand passport was taken last week after a summons from immigration officials, who also threatened him with deportation, The Dominion Post reported.

Dr Allen was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Indonesian Government at a ceremony at its Wellington embassy just a few weeks ago.

He told the newspaper he did not know what was going on since he had the necessary papers and had approval from the head of the district to work there.

Dr Allen made headlines in early 2004 when he brought twin babies Margaret and Karen Mandan from Vanuatu to Auckland for life-saving heart surgery.

Vanuatu officials threatened not to renew Dr Allen's visa as they were unhappy he had removed citizens without consent.

Dr Allen also helped in Pakistan after the 2005 earthquake.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman said yesterday that New Zealand Embassy officials in Jakarta were monitoring the situation.

- NZPA