Founder Announces Hiring Ban on Nigerian Applicants
Joren Lundgren, founder of the tech company Xora Finance, announced on 8 July 2026 that his company would no longer consider job applications from Nigeria. The decision, posted on X, cited a pattern of misconduct including theft and dishonesty among previous Nigerian hires. Lundgren had just days earlier posted that Xora Finance was actively hiring for multiple roles, including growth and marketing positions, making the ban a direct reversal of that open hiring drive.
Reasons Behind the Decision
In his post, Lundgren wrote: 'We regret to announce we will NO LONGER be reviewing applicants from Nigeria. The repeated abuse of positions and theft, even of amounts like $1, has forced this decision. We place no blame on honest Nigerians, but we cannot ignore these patterns.' He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and that he held no ill will towards Nigerian workers who had behaved with integrity during their tenure with the company.
Online Reactions and Backlash
The announcement drew strong reactions online, with many Nigerians arguing that a blanket ban punishes honest applicants unfairly. Commenters on X expressed outrage and disappointment. @kgeshy said: 'There must be something wrong with Nigerians. It cannot be correct everywhere you are accused of wrong doing. If is a certain group that always commit wrongs everywhere, why can't you all condemn them, speak out, instead you all try to defend yourself including criminals.' @ol7mpian commented: 'We place no blame on honest Nigerians and then you blanket-ban all 200 million of us anyway. You don't get to write the disclaimer and commit the act in the same breath. You had a hiring problem. The fix was better vetting, better contracts, better escrow. Instead you picked...' @EbohonJenny added: 'You place no blame on honest Nigerians yet you don't want Nigerians smh.'
Broader Context: UK Care Work Visa Changes
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that the UK government has adjusted its requirements for companies looking to hire foreigners, including those from Nigeria. The new rules, set to take effect in April, will prioritize foreigners already in the country.
