Niqabs, Burqas Face School Ban in Italy as Government Targets Foreign Student Limits

Italy is considering new measures that would restrict face coverings in schools and place limits on the number of foreign pupils allowed in classrooms.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the proposed changes on Sunday, September 20, during a youth gathering organised by her Brothers of Italy party.

According to Meloni, the proposed package, which is expected to be presented to the Italian cabinet soon, would prohibit garments such as the burqa and niqab in schools. It would also require parents of pupils experiencing what authorities describe as serious difficulties integrating into Italy’s education system to learn Italian.

Another proposed measure would introduce a ceiling on the number of foreign students in individual classrooms.

Meloni defended the plans by arguing that Italian children should not find themselves in situations where they become a minority within their own classrooms.

She also criticised what she described as ideological approaches to integration, accusing some advocates of supporting policies that they would not necessarily choose for their own children.

Italy’s proposals come as several European countries continue to debate restrictions on religious face coverings. France and Belgium already prohibit face coverings in public spaces, while Austria has introduced restrictions affecting schools.

Meanwhile, countries such as Spain and Poland have constitutional protections covering freedom of conscience and religion.