Microsoft is preparing to cut around 5,500 jobs in another round of layoffs as it continues shifting billions of dollars towards artificial intelligence (AI), with the expected move also reigniting debate over the company's use of the H1-B visa programme.

Microsoft is planning job cuts that are expected to affect areas such as sales, consulting, and Xbox as it ramps up AI spending.

Microsoft targets 8,750 US employees with its first voluntary buyout program, part of a broader tech industry shift cutting 92,000 jobs to fund AI