Oracle Lays Off 30,000 Employees but Seeks to Hire Thousands of Foreign Workers

Oracle has conducted layoffs affecting around 30,000 employees in various countries. This has simultaneously sparked controversy regarding the company’s plans to recruit foreign workers through the H-1B visa programme.

The layoffs were carried out via email on 31 March, with employees in the United States, India, Canada, Mexico, and other countries receiving notifications around 6:00 a.m. local time.

In the email sent by “Oracle Leadership”, the company stated that the decision was part of broader organisational changes.

“After carefully considering Oracle’s current business needs, we have decided to eliminate your position as part of wider organisational changes,” read the email, as quoted from The Economic Times on Friday, 3 April 2026.

The company also explained severance provisions for affected employees. “Upon signing the termination documents, you will be entitled to a severance package in accordance with the terms and conditions of the severance plan.”

Additionally, employees’ work access was immediately deactivated. “Access to your computer, email, voicemail, and files will be immediately deactivated, and you will no longer be able to log into your computer system.”

At the same time, Oracle is under scrutiny for filing thousands of H-1B visa applications for foreign workers. The company reportedly submitted around 3,126 petitions for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with approximately 436 petitions already filed in the current year.

The H-1B programme allows US companies to employ foreign workers in certain specialised fields when suitable local candidates are unavailable. However, this policy continues to draw pros and cons amid the wave of tech sector layoffs.

Oracle’s actions have triggered criticism on social media. Several users have deemed the company’s policy insensitive towards laid-off employees.

“This is like a slap in the face to us,” protested one employee.

Another user noted that tech companies often follow a similar pattern. “Look at all the big tech companies; they do massive layoffs and then rehire at lower salaries.”

“Multinational companies are not loyal to the country and the American nation.”

Oracle has yet to issue an official statement regarding the criticism.