Fired 30,000 Workers But Applied For H1B Visa Slots?

One of the biggest developments in global tech industry happened in the form of Oracle, which had fired as many as 30,000 employees worldwide. The company had even fired 12,000 employees in India, which is a big deal.

Oracle has come under criticism after laying off thousands of employees worldwide while applying for thousands of H‑1B visas for foreign workers.

The company recently announced major job cuts as part of a shift toward artificial intelligence and cloud services. Employees received early-morning emails notifying them of sudden layoffs, leaving many shocked.

At the same time, Oracle filed about 3,126 H‑1B visa petitions for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including 436 in 2026 alone. H‑1B visas allow companies to hire skilled foreign workers when local talent is considered insufficient, often in technical and specialized roles.

The timing of these filings has drawn widespread criticism online and in media reports. Many argue that the company appears to be replacing laid-off employees with lower-cost foreign workers.

Supporters of H‑1B visas note that global talent is essential for AI and technology development, but critics say the move seems unfair, especially to those suddenly unemployed.

Analysts say these layoffs reflect broader industry trends. Tech companies are restructuring as AI adoption grows, some roles become automated, and new skills are in demand.

Laid-off H‑1B employees now face legal challenges. To stay in the U.S., they must find new employers or switch visa categories within strict deadlines, adding pressure to an already difficult situation.