What happens at McKinsey if a global hire’s visa for their chosen office (Dubai) is rejected? Any real experiences?

Question

Hi everyone,

I recently accepted an experienced-hire offer with McKinsey for their Middle East office (Dubai). My contract clearly states that the offer is contingent on securing a work visa.

I’m not currently based in the UAE, and the visa process will only start a couple of months before my intended start date. I’m a bit concerned about the worst-case scenario:

If my Dubai work visa is rejected or delayed due to an objection outside my control, what typically happens?

Does McKinsey usually terminate the offer in such cases?
Or do they sometimes try to place the candidate in another global office (e.g., a temporary or permanent reassignment) until the visa situation is resolved?
Are there any examples of consultants who were moved to another region because their original visa didn’t go through?

I understand this may vary case-by-case, but I’d love to hear first-hand experiences from people who have gone through something similar (either in the Middle East or other offices with strict visa regimes).
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Not McK example, but in BCG/Kearney I have known one or two instances when offers were extended in the Singapore office but not possible to hire because of employment quotas and so offer was made to start instead in another office within SEA.

Might have some people who can shed some light here but one critical source of info you need to ask is McK Dubai HR. They will tell you at least the official policy.

And of course - congrats on the offer :) A difficult but rewarding time is ahead of you, and you might find this article helpful for you:

Succeeding in Consulting as an Experienced Hire

All the best!