Italy Bans Face Veils in Schools and Caps Foreign Pupils

The Government of Italy passed a decree banning the use of burqas and niqabs in schools and establishing a 30% cap on students with limited Italian language proficiency or lacking Italian citizenship in first-year primary, middle, and high school classes. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the rules as common-sense measures intended to prevent the creation of ghetto classrooms and ensure students integrate without abandoning rules. The veil ban is framed as a matter of gender equality, and violations may result in fines of up to 1,000 euros.

Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the language and citizenship cap will apply to students who were not born in Italy or attended fewer than two years of nursery school. The decree also requires parents of non-Italian speaking children to attend language courses, with the possibility of reporting persistent barriers to social services. While the decree takes effect immediately, it requires parliamentary ratification within 60 days.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein and various educators criticized the move as a shameful ideological banner and propaganda. President Sergio Mattarella also expressed wariness regarding potential barriers to education. Analysts suggest the policy is a response to political pressure from Roberto Vannacci, a retired army general and leader of the far-right National Future party, who has advocated for stricter immigration controls ahead of next spring's potential elections.