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A couple forbidden from marrying in Malaysia are hoping to get married in New Zealand (FILE PHOTO).

Two lovers torn part by religious laws in their country will be reunited here after being granted safe haven by our immigration system.

A Hindu man was forced to flee Malaysia after falling in love with the daughter of a Muslim family,  a relationship barred by Malaysian law, New Zealand's Immigration and Protection Tribunal has found.

He was granted asylum in February after a Tribunal hearing which also heard testimony from the woman by phone from Malaysia where she remains. 

She said she intended to flee to New Zealand as well to join her boyfriend as soon as it was confirmed he could stay here.

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The pair cannot be named but Tribunal member Louise Moor gave an outline of the star-crossed lovers' relationship in the ruling.

The man, 25, was "drawn" to the woman, also 25, the first time they met at a cultural celebration in December 2015. 

"He felt as though he had known her for a long time even though it was their first meeting."

Over a period of a year he introduced her to his family as his "friend" and the two would spend more and more time together. 

The couple carried on their relationship in secret, meeting regularly at his younger brother's house. 

Because that house was in a Muslim neighbourhood the two would avoid suspicion by arriving separately.

However, the man broke from their routine to pick his girlfriend up from work as a Valentines Day surprise last year.

It was that gesture which lead to their troubles.

The Religious Affairs Department was alerted and three officers came to the house and walked in on the couple. 

They saw the couple surrounded by Valentines Day gifts including flowers and a teddy bear, Moor said.

"They did not believe their explanation that they were just friends," Moor said. 

The officers took the woman into custody and returned her to her family.

She later told her boyfriend she was beaten by her father who demanded to know his home address.

"The girlfriend's uncle has connections with criminal gangsters and poses a real threat," the Tribunal ruling said.

He was later taken in for questioning by the Religious Affairs Department where he was physically abused in custody according to the tribunal decision.

His mother, concerned for their safety, pleaded with him and his younger brother to leave the country. 

The two brothers arrived in New Zealand in April last year but the woman remained in Malaysia. 

When she spoke to the tribunal via telephone she said she was prepared "fight for their relationship", Moor said. 

She told the tribunal of her desire to get married to the man and have a family. 

The man realised their relationship had caused "significant problems" for his family but told the tribunal he couldn't change the way he felt about her, Moor said.

"They wish to live in peace and safety, together."

 - Stuff