IBM has created a new program called Project Match to help workers laid off from its U.S. sites obtain a visa and find jobs at IBM sites in other countries.  Most openings are located in developing countries like India, China and Brazil.  IBM is promoting these jobs by noting the climate is warm, the food is exotic, and the cost of living is very low.  Of course, wages are also very low, typically pennies-on-the-dollar compared to U.S. salaries.

“IBM has established Project Match to help you locate potential job opportunities in growth markets where your skills are in demand,” IBM said in an internal memo.  “Should you accept a position in one of these countries, IBM offers financial assistance to offset moving costs, provides immigration support, such as visa assistance, and other support to help ease the transition of an international move.”

IBM has laid off more than 4,000 workers in the U.S. just in 2009.  Given the brutal job market domestically, perhaps this would be an attractive option for workers who have no families, friends, or desire to make any money.

A spokesman for workers’ group Alliance@IBM also criticized the program.  “IBM is not only offshoring IBM U.S. jobs but they want employees to offshore themselves through Project Match,” said the spokesman.

Story at InformationWeek