People coming back to New Zealand who are dying, need specialist healthcare or want to be with a terminally ill relative, are shocked and upset their applications are being assessed by people who aren't medically qualified.
Returnees facing these situations can apply to skip any queue for the border hotels, have their fees waived, or in rare cases, isolate in their own homes.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment says its staff don't need a medical qualification to consider the supporting evidence and make decisions.
Katie Todd reports.