Microsoft is going through a heavy scrutiny on social media, especially after reports surfaced that the company filed over 6,300 H-1B visa requests for software engineer positions in Washington matching the same job titles and location as those affected by the layoffs. According to WorldNetDaily, these requests came in the same month when the company let go around 2,300 employees in the state, including 817 software engineers. People are now questioning whether this is truly about a skills gap or cost-cutting strategy.
The criticism has come alongside a new round of layoffs, with Microsoft cutting 9,000 more jobs globally. The layoffs will reportedly impact multiple departments, including its gaming division.
The report claims that the company has filed a total of 14,181 foreign labor requests this year, 82% of which are being offered pay below the local market rate. A large number of these applications were reportedly routed through an Indian firm, Integreon (India) Pvt Ltd. At the same time, Microsoft is investing heavily in its India operations, with $3 billion pledged and plans to train 10 million people in AI skills.
Social media erupts over Microsoft’s H-1B visa requests
Following the reports, one user on X said, “Why did Microsoft lay off 9,000 employees but request 14,181 H-1B visas?- Because they wanted to “reboot” their workforce with a global upgrade!” Another said, “This is happening across many companies. The system is being abused.”
“Anyone that’s done software dev for any amount of time can earnestly tell you, it is not because of a skill gap,” another X user commented. One of the users also claimed that he had seen it happening in he manufacturing sector as well. “No one is enforcing the requirement that there must be a skill gap that is not available in US,” the user said.
Microsoft under scrutiny after laying off 9000 more jobs
The H1-B visa reports come alongside a new round of layoffs, with Microsoft cutting 9,000 more jobs globally, less than 4% of its total workforce. The layoffs affect multiple departments, including its gaming division. In an internal memo, Microsoft said the changes are aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on future growth areas.
CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, confirmed that certain projects will be reduced or ended, and layers of management will be trimmed to improve efficiency. But many users on social media said that they believe the real driver behind the move is AI automation, which is increasingly replacing human jobs.
The contrast between large-scale layoffs and rising visa applications for the same roles has sparked fresh criticism. Many are accusing Microsoft of using the H-1B program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor — raising concerns that this may be less about talent shortages and more about profit margins.