Home News Italy to Ban Face Veils in Schools, Limit Foreign Students

Italy Plans School Veil Ban and Foreign Student Limits

Sep 20, 2026
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Sep 20, 2026 14:30
Italy to ban face veils in schools, limit foreign students per class, Meloni says

## New Integration Measures

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced plans to introduce new measures aimed at improving integration within the country's education system. These measures include banning full-face veils in schools and setting a cap on the number of foreign students allowed per class.

## Language and Integration

The proposed legislation will also require parents of foreign students who face significant integration challenges to learn Italian. Meloni emphasized that the goal is to facilitate better language acquisition and integration for students who do not speak Italian.

## Specifics of the Veil Ban

The veil ban targets full-face coverings such as the niqab and burqa, not the hijab, which leaves the face visible. Meloni stated that students would need to attend school with their faces uncovered.

## Broader Context

These proposals are part of Meloni's broader strategy to address migration and integration issues in Italy, a key entry point for migrants from North Africa. Since taking office, her government has focused on stricter migration controls and has sought to establish migrant facilities outside the EU.

## European Trends

Italy's move aligns with similar restrictions in other European countries. France, Belgium, Denmark, and Austria have implemented bans on full-face coverings in public spaces, while Switzerland introduced a nationwide ban in 2025. The Netherlands has specific restrictions in educational and public institutions.

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