Italy moves to ban face coverings and limit foreign pupils in schools with new law

Italy's government has adopted a law banning face coverings in schools and limiting the number of foreign students in classrooms, in a move that has drawn criticism from the opposition over its implementation.

The measure, announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this week, will take effect in September 2027. It prohibits students from taking part in school activities “with their face covered or in any way that prevents identification”. Violations will be punishable by fines of up to €1,000.

The law does not explicitly refer to the Islamic burqa or niqab. But Meloni did so when announcing the measure, saying that in Italy “no one should force a girl to hide herself”.

The burqa covers the entire body, including the face, while the niqab covers the face but leaves the eyes visible. Both are distinct from the hijab, which covers the hair and neck but leaves the face uncovered.

The garments are uncommon in Italy. Estimates cited by the Italian press suggest that around 500 to 600 women wear them nationwide.