Google recalls 187 travelling staffers

San Francisco, Jan. 28: Google’s India-born CEO Sundar Pichai on Saturday criticised President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration order against people from seven Muslim-majority countries, saying it will create “barriers” to bringing great talent to the US, as the Internet search giant ordered its travelling staff to return to America. Mr Pichai in an email to staff said the US ban on foreign nationals will hit at least 187 Google employees.

“Our first order of business is to help Googlers who are affected,” he said. “If you’re abroad and need help please reach out to our global security team.” “We would not wish this fear and uncertainty on anyone, especially not on our fellow Googlers,” he wrote.

Washington, Jan. 28: President Donald Trump on Friday put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the United States and temporarily barred travelers from Syria and six other Muslim-majority countries, saying the moves would help protect Americans from terrorist attacks.

“Were upset about the impact of this order and any proposals that could impose restrictions on Googlers and their families, or that could create barriers to bringing great talent to the US,” the Wall Street Journal quoted Mr Pichai as saying in the email.

“It is painful to see the personal cost of this executive order on our colleagues,” he said.

Microsoft has also warned its shareholders that curbs on immigration could have a material impact on its business.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also criticised Mr Trump’s decision to severely limit immigrants and refugees from certain Muslim-majority countries, saying America is a nation of immigrants and should be proud of it. — PTI