Microsoft Denies H-1B Visas Linked to Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft has clarified that recent Xbox layoffs were part of a restructuring. The company stated these job cuts were not to replace staff with H-1B visa holders. Foreign worker visas represent a small portion of Microsoft's total workforce.
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Xbox Does Not Plan to Replace Laid-Off Roles With H-1B Visa Hires, Says MicrosoftMicrosoft communications lead Frank Shaw clarified that recent layoffs at Xbox, totaling around 1,600 roles, were part of a necessary restructuring and not an effort to replace employees with H-1B visa hires. He stated that H-1B visas represent a small percentage of Microsoft's overall workforce and are not specific to Xbox. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma also confirmed the layoffs and the closure of four studios, emphasizing that the decisions do not reflect the talent of the affected employees.- Microsoft Refutes Notion That Foreign-Worker Visas Were Behind Mass Xbox LayoffsMicrosoft communications lead Frank X. Shaw refuted claims that foreign-worker visas were the cause of recent mass layoffs affecting 1,600 people at Xbox. Shaw stated the workforce changes were due to a necessary business restructure, not to replace employees with foreign workers, and that H-1B visa holders represent a small percentage of the overall workforce and were not specific to Xbox.