[snotrockets]

Because they can't. There's not a lot they can do for employees on work visas, other than continuing their employment (which they won't)

[AnotherGoodName]

There are ways to maximally draw it out. Eg. max out both paid and unpaid leave allowed by the Visa but keep them 'employed'.

[snotrockets]

Right, not firing them. But considering that boat sailed…

[AnotherGoodName]

It hasn't sailed. The above announcement talks about initial garden leave (employed but not expected to show up at all).

[snotrockets]

I suspect keeping a person employed "for show" could be considered immigration fraud. But that's why those workers should go and hire their own labor and immigration attorneys, and don't trust advice on this website, or from their employer.