Microsoft Faces Backlash Over H-1B Strategy

It’s a tough time at Microsoft, with thousands of jobs being cut, yet the company is still pushing for more H-1B work visas. For many Indians living in the U.S., this situation feels both perplexing and unjust.

In 2025 alone, Microsoft has laid off nearly 16,000 employees, which accounts for about 7% of its entire workforce—a significant figure, even in the tech world.

What’s particularly puzzling is that while these layoffs are taking place, Microsoft has reportedly filed over 6,000 H-1B visa applications since October 2024. Although the company hasn’t confirmed the exact number, government data indicates it received 9,491 H-1B approvals last year.

So, the big question is: if so many people are being let go, why is the company seeking thousands of new work visas? Especially when some of those being laid off might be H-1B workers themselves, now facing a 60-day race to secure a new job or leave the country.

This issue goes beyond just numbers—it’s about what companies prioritize. Many Indian professionals are increasingly feeling that some tech firms are quick to cut jobs domestically while simultaneously working to build their future workforce through visa applications.

This trend isn’t new, but it’s becoming harder to overlook. When job cuts and visa applications rise together, it raises doubts about whether companies are genuinely struggling to find talent or simply opting for cheaper, more flexible hiring options.

The system was designed to attract high-skilled workers when local talent was scarce. But when that distinction starts to blur, trust can quickly erode.