eBay is facing scrutiny after announcing significant layoffs while simultaneously seeking to hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program.
E-commerce giant eBay is under increased scrutiny regarding its workforce strategy following the filing of WARN notices indicating plans to lay off 639 U.S. employees in 2026. This announcement comes at a time when the company is also seeking approval for 429 H-1B visa hires.
Data from workforce tracker Cutoffs.io reveals that eBay submitted applications for 360 H-1B positions during the second quarter of fiscal 2026, in addition to 69 applications in the first quarter. This brings the total number of prospective foreign-worker hires to 429. Meanwhile, the WARN notices indicate that 639 U.S.-based workers will be affected by layoffs this year.
The juxtaposition of layoffs and new visa applications has reignited a broader debate surrounding the H-1B visa program, particularly among major technology companies. Critics argue that firms should prioritize retaining or hiring domestic workers before expanding their recruitment of visa-sponsored employees. On the other hand, supporters of the program assert that H-1B hiring is often necessary for specialized roles where employers face talent shortages.
These latest developments occur as eBay reports strong business performance. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Iannone noted last month that the company exceeded expectations for its first-quarter 2026 results, attributing this success to momentum in its marketplace operations and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence tools.
eBay has a history of significant workforce reductions. In early 2024, the company announced plans to eliminate approximately 1,000 jobs, representing about 9% of its workforce, as part of efforts to streamline operations and align expenses with growth.
It is important to note that the WARN filings and H-1B applications do not necessarily indicate that the positions overlap in terms of location, timing, or job function. However, the simultaneous occurrence of layoffs and visa hiring has become a focal point of scrutiny within the technology sector as companies navigate the complexities of cost-cutting measures while simultaneously recruiting specialized talent.
According to Cutoffs.io, the situation at eBay exemplifies the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding employment practices in the tech industry.