Microsoft Faces Backlash Over H-1B Hiring Amid US Layoffs

Speedy Summary

• US labor department filings reveal Microsoft submitted 14,181 H-1B visa applications in Q2 FY2025.
• Teh company is facing criticism for linking foreign hiring plans with recent job cuts in the US, where it laid off 9,000 employees (less than 4% of its workforce).
• Critics argue that foreign wage rates reportedly offered to manny H-1B hires are below local US market averages; some visas were processed via Indian firm Integreon pvt Ltd.
• Microsoft invested $3 billion in India and aims to train 10 million people in artificial intelligence (AI) skills internationally.
• On its lobbying blog, Microsoft claims the annual cap on H-1B visas fails to meet overall labor market demand.

!Image: Microsoft’s H-1B hiring spree draws criticism amid US job cuts

!Image: Data chart on H-B visa figures

Indian Opinion Analysis
Microsoft’s dual strategy of significant international investment and large-scale layoffs domestically underscores its long-term global outlook while concurrently sparking critical debate about employment priorities.For India, Microsoft’s sizable $3 billion investment and focus on AI skill advancement could bolster technological growth and workforce capabilities significantly. Though,the association with outsourcing firms like Integreon shows India’s pivotal role in global resource allocation strategies that may face international scrutiny over pricing and competition. For India’s IT sector professionals poised for exported roles under systems like the H-B visa program-Microsoft’s moves signal consistent demand but also underscore increased obligation regarding fair wages benchmarking nt competitiveness read only