Tough Times for Tech Employees! These 4 Major Companies Have Conducted Massive Layoffs in 2026
Contrary to expectations, the year 2026 is proving to be an extremely difficult period for professionals working in the global IT and tech sectors. From Silicon Valley to India’s IT hubs, a wave of massive layoffs continues to sweep through the world’s largest and most prestigious companies this year.
According to the latest data from layoff trackers, more than 210 major tech companies have laid off over 134,000 employees so far in 2026. What is shocking is that the primary driver behind this downturn is not a global economic crisis, but rather the companies’ prioritization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a consequent reduction in their human workforce. Let’s take a look at the 5 largest companies that have conducted massive layoffs this year.
Tech Giants with the Largest Layoffs in 2026
Oracle: This tech giant executed the single largest layoff announcement of 2026 so far, letting go of over 30,250 employees from its cloud and enterprise software divisions.
Amazon: Citing cost-cutting measures and an increased reliance on AI-driven automation tools within its logistics operations, Amazon has laid off approximately 19,100 employees across various departments.
Meta: Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, has cut around 16,900 jobs this year—including 8,000 recent dismissals—in an effort to balance its massive $145 billion AI infrastructure budget.
Microsoft: Focusing entirely on AI engineering by discontinuing non-core projects, Microsoft has also eliminated over 8,750 jobs this year. Major Crisis Looms Over Indian IT Professionals and H-1B Holders
The brunt of the recent layoffs at major U.S. companies—such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft—has fallen most heavily upon the thousands of Indian IT professionals working there. Following the sudden loss of their jobs, Indian H-1B visa holders residing in the U.S. are left with a critically short window of just 60 days to legally remain in the country and secure a new sponsor, leaving them facing the looming threat of forced repatriation.
