MBB Saudi Arabia Start Date Postponed BUT now residents not allowed back until the end of the pandemic.

Hi there,

Sorry to hear, I can understand this causes a lot of stress on your part.

1) It is highly unlikely they cancel your contract - They can continue to defer OR they may give you the opportunity to work in another office, but I doubt that they would cancel it

2) Non of us here can declare what "Pandemic over" means to KSA - read through their announcements, declarations etc. to get a better understanding of this.

3) I think you should ask HR if starting in another (any) office is an option

Overall, I think you should prepare to be delayed a year in Saudi Arabia (i.e., a likely worst-case scenario...though it could be longer or shorter). I think you should raise your concerns with HR and ask them what can/should be done.

Hi there,

I don’t think any major firm is likely to rescind offers for the following reasons:

1. Legal aspects. Unless there is a clause the company can cancel the offer, doing so creates a breach of contract
2. Reputation. Rescinding offers will affect the general reputation of the company
3. Alternatives. It is just easier for the company to suggest a later starting date rather than canceling the offer and lose suitable candidates, which are very expensive in terms of recruiting for any major firm.

I would recommend to talk with HR – they should clarify the situation and may propose a different location or to work remotely.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

Don't worry about the contract - highly unlikely to be canceled.

Consulting companies are working remotely (even people based in KSA are working from home) - so it doesn't really matter where you are now.

COVID travel restrictions are changing almost on a daily basis - I recommend to stay patient.

Worst-case scenario, you could eventually fly to the Dubai office and work from there until KSA opens up (all offices in the middle east are a single unit, it doesn't matter where you are)

I hope this helps

Khaled

Hi, 

I 100% agree with Ian's response.

For his 3rd point, I would also ask if starting in remote could also be an option.

Best 

MBBs don't cancel contracts.

Hello, 

Sorry to hear this. 

I would see highly unlikely that they cancell your contract, but it can be that the start date gets posponed until things are under control. 

I would honestly avoid starting a job in consulting remotely, I would even opt for waiting instead. 

Hope it helps

Cheers,

Clara

Dear A,

First of all, my congratulations to your offer at MBB. Well done!

Regarding this situation, I would definitely recommend you to get in touch with HR and clarify the situation. Since I'm pretty sure that you will start remotely at MBB. There is no difference whether you will start being in KSA or in any other country. Afterwards, you will be able to move back to KSA

I hope it helps you and wish you best of luck,

If you need any help, support or advice  in terms of first 100 days and on-boarding and building successful career, please, get in touch with me. 

Best,

André

Hi there,

It’s hard to predict, but it’s unlikely that they cancel your contract. Besides, no one knows when the pandemic will exactly end.

I would recommend you call HR and ask about alternative to work in another company for the pandemic period. 

Do you need any further help?

All the best, 

GB