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

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!

That is a huge stressor, and you are right to be planning for the worst-case scenario. The opaqueness of the immigration system in the UAE, especially for experienced hires, makes this a very real concern.

Here is the reality check on how the firm handles this: Your offer is genuinely contingent, and it is tied directly to the specific headcount and budget of the Dubai office. While McKinsey pays substantial sums to facilitate the visa, the outcome is ultimately a government decision. If the visa is outright rejected, the immediate response is almost never a seamless internal transfer to a different global office.

Why? Because transferring you means cannibalizing a budgeted slot from another office (say, Singapore or London) for a candidate they didn't source or budget for. Global offices fight fiercely over headcount, and they will not willingly take on a delayed hire unless there is a critical, pre-existing need or a Partner sponsor at the highest level pushing the case. In most cases of a clear rejection, the offer is either formally terminated or placed on an indefinite hold, meaning your start date evaporates until you can resolve the contingency.

The strategic move is to proactively discuss the firm’s tolerance for delay with your recruiting contact or the immigration team. Ask specifically about the maximum deferral period they are prepared to offer (e.g., three or six months) if there is a bureaucratic snag, rather than immediately asking about a global transfer. This timeline will define your runway. Focus your energy entirely on supporting the immigration counsel—they are your most important asset right now.

Hope this helps clarify the internal mechanics a bit. All the best!

The cases I know they were able to arrange another office where you could work.

Sometimes you would have a temporary assignment before they figure out which office will take you.

1. It is possible to ask for delay in the start date until your VISA process is done. 

2. In the event that if your VISA is not successful at first try, it is also possible to ask to be place in another office temporarily, while you / McK continue try to reapply to get the VISA. 

3. In the worse scenario if it doesn't work out after reapplication, you can consider whether you are okay with an alternative office for a longer period of time.

It is not easy journey, it can be stressful. However, usually the firm would work together with you to find a solution. Good luck.  

Best,

Emily