Obese S.A. man faces expulsion from New Zealand because he's too fat

AN Obese chef from South Africa, Albert Buitenhuis, has been told by authorities to leave New Zealand - because he is TOO FAT.

Albert Buitenhuis faces expulsion from Christchurch - his home for the past six years - because he does not have "an acceptable standard of health".

Despite shedding almost five stone since moving to New Zealand, the chef cannot now renew his work visa.

His wife Marthie said: "The irony is that at the moment he weighs less than when we first arrived in New Zealand and also less than in his first medical, which was accepted by (immigration authorities)."

She added: "We applied year after year and there were no issues. They never mentioned Albert's weight or his health once and he was a lot heavier then."

Immigration officials say the 20-stone man would place too much strain on New Zealand's health services because of the significant risks of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

A spokesman said: "It is important that all migrants have an acceptable standard of health to minimise costs and demands on New Zealand's health services."

The couple appealed to New Zealand's immigration minister after their work visas were declined in May.

New Zealand has one of the highest obesity rates in the developed world, with 26% of people overweight.