Burqa, Niqab Ban in Italian Schools Among Meloni’s New Integration Measures

Italy Plans School Ban on Burqas, Niqabs; Foreign Student Cap Proposed

Italy is preparing new measures that would ban full-face coverings such as burqas and niqabs in schools and introduce a limit on the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday. 

Speaking at an annual youth gathering organised by her Brothers of Italy party, Meloni said the proposals would soon be presented to the Cabinet. The government has not yet specified the maximum number of foreign students that could be enrolled in a single class. 

The proposed measures would also require parents of foreign students facing serious difficulties integrating into the Italian education system to learn Italian. Meloni argued that language skills are central to integration and said people settling in Italy should learn the language, understand the culture and respect the country's rules. 

Meloni specifically referred to the burqa and niqab, which cover the face. The proposal does not mention a ban on the hijab, which covers the hair and neck while leaving the face visible. 

According to Fondazione ISMU data cited by Reuters, students who are not Italian citizens account for about 11.6% of pupils enrolled in Italian schools. 

If approved by the government, the measure would still require parliamentary approval to become law.