Italy bans burqas and niqabs in schools, caps some non-Italian-speaking students at 30%

Italy bans burqas and niqabs in schools, caps some non-Italian-speaking students at 30%
Friday 25 September 2026 - 16:02

Italy’s government has approved a decree banning burqas and niqabs in schools and limiting to 30% the share of students in certain classes who lack an adequate command of Italian.

The cap will apply from the first year of primary school through middle and secondary school and is based on language proficiency rather than nationality, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said. The hijab, which leaves the face visible, is not covered by the ban.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the measures as tools to promote integration and prevent what she called “ghetto classrooms.” The decree also expands Italian-language support and can require some foreign parents whose children face serious integration difficulties to attend language courses.

Around 11.6% of pupils in Italy are non-citizens. The decree takes effect immediately but requires parliamentary approval within 60 days.

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