Oracle layoffs update: Amid thousands of job cuts, US IT firm's big move triggers massive backlash online

US IT firm Oracle announced a brutal layoff impacting around 30,000 workers in an early morning email on March 31, informing the staff that it was their last working day. As thousands of employees woke up to the layoff emails, they had no idea that the tech giant had been busy trying to hire foreign staff, reported The New York Post, citing US Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Oracle filed for roughly 3,126 petitions to employ H-1B workers in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the report stated.

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Employers are required to submit the necessary documentation when applying to hire foreign workers in specialised fields such as technology. Of these, around 436 petitions have been filed so far this year.


Companies file H-1B petitions to seek approval from the US government to hire foreign workers when they are unable to find local candidates with similar skills. Many firms argue the program is crucial for advancing cutting-edge technology, while critics claim it disadvantages American workers. Employers may also be required to submit petitions to renew or extend existing H-1B visas.

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Oracle faces backlash

The news of Oracle’s attempts to bring in foreign workers, as it fired thousands of employees sparked outrage among some on social media.

One user on the app Blind, an anonymous forum for verified employees, called the H-1B petitions a “slap in our face.” “If this doesn’t make you angry, maybe you need to read some heartfelt posts on LinkedIn from Oracle employees who are US citizens and have been laid off after working at Oracle for years,” the user wrote.

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“Look at all big tech companies, they do massive layoffs then rehire at lower salary," wrote another. A third added: “Transnational corporations are disloyal to the American state and the nation.” Oracle is yet to comment on the matter.

Oracle lays off thousands of employees via email

Oracle, chaired by billionaire Larry Ellison, informed “thousands” of workers across the world that Tuesday would be their last day. Employees in the U.S., India, Canada, Mexico, and other countries received job termination emails from “Oracle Leadership” at about 6 am local time Tuesday. About 12,000 of the company’s employees in India have been laid off, according to PTI.

“After careful consideration of Oracle’s current business needs, we have made the decision to eliminate your role as part of a broader organizational change,” copies of the email viewed by Business Insider stated.

“After signing your termination paperwork, you will be eligible to receive a severance package subject to the terms and conditions of the severance plan,” the company said.

“Access to your computer, email, voicemail, and files will be deactivated soon, and you will be unable to log into your computer,” it said in the job termination email.