Immigration New Zealand says its decision to deny a visa to man 38 years younger than his New Zealand wife was not ageist or racist.
Glyn Kessell-Singh, 59, married Balwinder Singh, 22, in January this year after a three-month relationship.
Mr Singh then applied for a work visa, but was declined by Immigration New Zealand because of concerns about their age difference and whether the marriage would last.
The couple have since laid complaints about the decision, calling it ageist and racist.
Immigration New Zealand rejects that assertion. In a statement, it said the decision was made after extremely detailed and thorough assessments by two different officers, which included interviewing the couple.
Immigration officers also visited their home and noted that their living arrangement seemed similar to a boarding situation.
Ms Kessell-Singh denies that her husband married her to obtain residency.
