eBay Faces Backlash Over H-1B Visa Applications Amid Layoffs
eBay has drawn criticism for applying for foreign-worker visas while planning to cut hundreds of U.S. jobs. The situation has reignited debate in the technology sector over prioritizing domestic employment versus securing specialized talent during business transformation.
What are the key facts?
- 1eBay plans to cut 639 employees in 2026
- 2429 H-1B visa applications submitted during the same period
- 3Data source: Cutoffs.io
- 4Sparks public debate over corporate workforce strategy
What happened?
According to workforce-tracking organization Cutoffs.io, eBay issued notices in 2026 indicating plans to cut 639 U.S. employees. At the same time, the company applied for a combined 429 H-1B visa slots in the first and second quarters. Although eBay previously said its first-quarter performance was strong, the parallel layoffs and hiring strategy has drawn criticism over its labor-management priorities.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
The development highlights pressure on eBay’s internal operations and cost controls. Sellers should monitor potential changes to technical support and seller-service teams. If layoffs slow support response times, build multichannel coverage and reduce reliance on a single platform’s customer service.