Naseeba Zubair Sahi
Auckland
Summary
A dedicated and ambitious immigration professional with a passion for continuous learning and development. I bring a strong background in immigration operations, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment, with a proven ability to manage complex cases and deliver high-quality outcomes in fast-paced environments. Currently employed at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), I have developed extensive experience in immigration case management, policy interpretation, and client service. My work consistently reflects a commitment to fairness, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Officer
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
03.2023 - Current
- Assess and decide visa applications in accordance with immigration law, policy, and procedures.
- Conduct interviews and apply advanced assessment techniques to gather relevant information.
- Draft character/medical waivers and “No Surprises” Factsheets (NSFS) for complex and sensitive cases.
- Acted as subject matter expert within the SMC space for Section 58(6) false and misleading information cases.
- Perform verification and background checks using multiple databases and profiling tools.
- Provide specialist, case-relevant assistance to clients, stakeholders, and legal representatives.
- Collaborate with legal and policy teams to implement legislative changes and update procedures.
- Lead initiatives to improve visa processing accuracy and efficiency through process optimisation.
- Mentor and coach new Immigration Officers (“buddies”), supporting professional development and team capability.
- Maintain secure handling of sensitive information and ensure compliance with legal obligations.
- Respond to complex client inquiries with clarity, professionalism, and empathy.
- Participate in quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to cross-functional projects and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Facilitate Manaaki sessions and contribute to inclusive workplace initiatives.
- Technical Advisor Development Programme Highlights:
- Selected for MBIE’s TA development programme, focusing on technical leadership and policy interpretation.
- Trained to deliver coaching and support for new staff transitioning to new visa products.
- Developed a template for granting character and medical waivers.
- Gained knowledge of business and officer referral processes, liaising with internal key stakeholders.
- Trained to conduct QC checks for skilled residence applications.
Client Service Advisor
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
03.2019 - 02.2023
- Provided accurate and timely advice on immigration laws, policies, and procedures.
- Managed high volumes of client inquiries, complaints, and complex cases with empathy.
- Liaised with Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs), lawyers, and internal branches.
- Maintained 100% accuracy in recording client interactions in databases.
- Supported clients throughout the immigration process, ensuring clarity and compliance.
- Conducted follow-ups and kept clients informed of application progress.
- Identified service improvement opportunities and contributed to best practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of INZ products and Immigration Online.
- Handled emotionally sensitive calls with professionalism and care.
Educator
Kuddles Home-based Childcare
03.2018 - 12.2019
- Built strong, nurturing relationships with children and their whānau.
- Created a safe, warm, and hygienic learning environment.
- Used narrative assessments aligned with Te Whāriki to plan learning.
- Promoted social competence through positive guidance.
- Maintained accurate documentation and learning records.
- Collaborated with parents to support child development and wellbeing.
Data Collector
Statistics New Zealand
07.2013 - 05.2014
- Conducted inbound and outbound calls to complete surveys.
- Delivered excellent customer service and resolved respondent queries.
- Entered coded data accurately and maintained data integrity.
- Supported respondents with special communication needs.
- Scheduled and followed up on interviews efficiently.
- Participated in continuous learning and team discussions.
- Analysed data for patterns and contributed to reporting.
Assistant Programme Officer / Psychologist
ROZAN – Pakistan
10.2009 - 11.2011
- Maintained a database of the number and nature of calls, conducting weekly and monthly analysis using SPSS and MS Excel.
- Entered data regularly with a rate of 50 cases per hour.
- Provided counselling (via telephone, email, and letters) to adolescents regarding emotional and sexual reproductive health.
- Assisted in developing and conducting awareness-raising plans for communities, including seminars, radio programmes, workshops, and information materials.
- Assessed the needs of young people, planning and delivering programmes in areas such as sexual and emotional health, fitness, smoking, drugs, relationships, and bullying.
- Undertook administrative tasks, verified information, and responded to queries.
- Networked with organisations, educational institutions, social services, and other agencies to address issues and promote opportunities for young people.
Education
Government Regulations (Level 3) -
MBIE
01.2022
Certificate in HR & Business Administration (Level 4) - undefined
Manukau Institute of Technology
01.2019
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Clinical Psychology
Preston University
01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Statistics, Psychology
WISH Women University
01.2006
Skills
- Strong decision-making and analytical thinking
- Expertise in immigration policy, risk assessment, and case management
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- High level of professionalism and confidentiality
- Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and team development
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities
- Proficient in IT systems and data accuracy
- Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change
- Conflict resolution and customer service excellence
- Culturally responsive and empathetic approach
Timeline
Immigration Officer
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
03.2023 - Current
Client Service Advisor
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
03.2019 - 02.2023
Educator
Kuddles Home-based Childcare
03.2018 - 12.2019
Data Collector
Statistics New Zealand
07.2013 - 05.2014
Assistant Programme Officer / Psychologist
ROZAN – Pakistan
10.2009 - 11.2011
Certificate in HR & Business Administration (Level 4) - undefined
Manukau Institute of Technology
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Clinical Psychology
Preston University
Bachelor of Arts - Statistics, Psychology
WISH Women University
Government Regulations (Level 3) -
MBIE
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