Amid massive layoffs in U.S., tech-giants Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon hire low-paid H-1B workers

Months after announcing massive layoffs, tech giants Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft are looking to hire lower-paid tech workers from foreign countries, reported independent investigative journalist Lee Fang. 

Fang cited data from the U.S labour department that Google had filed applications for H1-B visas for low-paid workers to fill highly specialized tech positions in the United States. As per the report, Google is looking to fill roles such as software engineers, analytical consultants, user experience researchers among others. The visas for new hires have start dates as early as 17th August. Google's subsidiary Wiamo that focusses on self-driving cars too sought visa applications for engineering jobs.

Data from the U.S labour department has also pointed out that various other tech giants including Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce had also requested thousands of H1-B foreign worker visas. 

While Google's Sundar Pichai had annouced to slash 12,000 jobs around the world in January, Meta has laid off 21,000 employees and Amazon has let go 27,000 employees so far.