Italy Approves Burqa, Niqab Ban and 30% Cap for Foreign Pupils

Italy’s government has approved a new school decree banning burqas and niqabs in schools and introducing a 30% ceiling on pupils who do not have an adequate command of Italian in a class. The measure was approved by the Council of Ministers on September 24, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saying it is intended to support integration and prevent highly concentrated classrooms. The decree also provides for additional Italian-language support. Parents of students facing serious difficulties integrating into the school system may be required to undertake Italian-language courses, with reported administrative penalties for non-compliance. The government says the rules are designed to promote language learning and equal educational opportunities. Critics, however, have questioned the impact on students and raised constitutional and legal concerns, including the right to education. The measure comes amid an intensifying political debate in Italy over migration, integration and religious dress.