Middle-eastern families say they are shocked and devastated relatives have been barred from visiting because of conflict in their home countries.
More than 160 people from Syria and Iran alone have had visas rejected since August.
Gill Bonnett reports
Immigration NZ's Michael Carley, Acting General Manager Border and Visa Operations, says he empathises with the difficulties that these families find themselves in because of the circumstances in their home countries of Iran and Syria.
He says applications for temporary entry into Aotearoa can be declined for various reasons, and the role of regulator is to apply relevant immigration instructions to all visa applications.
Applicants must supply information which demonstrates that they meet requirements to be granted a visa. During the process, their intentions for travel are considered, and whether they are likely to go home at the end of their stay.
