An Indian woman’s bid to settle in New Zealand with her husband has been rejected because of his drink-driving conviction, committed nearly two years before they met.

According to a report by Awaaz, the 26-year-old woman appealed to New Zealand’s Immigration and Protection Tribunal after Immigration New Zealand declined her residence application in February 2025.

The couple married in an arranged marriage in India in February 2024 and moved to New Zealand together two months later.

Her husband was convicted of drink-driving in 2022 after being caught with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. He was fined NZ$800, disqualified from driving for 28 days and ordered to install an alcohol interlock.

The conviction made him liable for deportation, preventing him from supporting his wife’s residence application.

The woman argued that returning to India without her husband could expose her to family conflict, social rejection and pressure to remarry. Her husband also warned that separation could damage their marriage.

However, the tribunal found insufficient evidence to support her fears and noted that the separation might be temporary. His deportation liability had been suspended until March 2028, potentially allowing him to support a future residence application.

Tribunal member A M Clayton said the husband had received leniency and had to accept the consequences of his offending. The tribunal dismissed the appeal.

Support our Journalism

No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.