Swedish Security Firm Accused of Rejecting Job Applicant Over Headscarf

Swedish Security Firm Accused of Rejecting Job Applicant Over Headscarf
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A Swedish security company has been accused of discrimination after refusing to hire a 22-year-old woman because she wears a hijab, despite her having reached the final stages of the recruitment process.

The woman, a sociology student from the city of Gävle, said she applied for a position as a security guard with Securitas and successfully passed several rounds of testing and interviews. According to her account, the issue of her headscarf was raised only during the final interview, shortly before a hiring decision was expected.

She said the discussion focused on her hijab rather than her qualifications or performance, and that she was informed the headscarf was not permitted under the company’s dress policy. The recruiter reportedly told her that only a cap or beanie would be acceptable alternatives.

The applicant said she was surprised by the timing of the issue, noting that she had already completed psychological and aptitude tests, taken part in a group interview, and submitted personal references. She added that she proposed wearing a cap over her hijab or concealing it under her uniform, but the company rejected the suggestion without further explanation.

The woman stressed that her criticism was directed at company policy rather than the individual recruiter, describing the hijab as an integral part of her identity. She said she hopes the company will reconsider its policies and place greater emphasis on applicants’ skills and abilities rather than their appearance.