A former immigration minister says the department's tough stance on relationships is overcompensating for other problems.
Nearly 800 visa partnership applications were declined last year and only ten percent of couples on the waiting list were approved.
Former immigration minister Tuariki Delamere told Mike Hosking their rigid criteria is not realistic and is an indication of wider issues.
He says the immigration system is completely dysfunctional.
"Unfortunately our Minister seems to have his head buried in the sand, the current process is simply not working."
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you