Meloni proposes school face-covering ban

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to bar burqas and niqabs in Italian schools, cap foreign pupils per classroom, and require Italian lessons for some parents. She presented the package at a party youth event and said it would go to her cabinet before requiring parliamentary approval.

• 930,000foreign-national pupils in Italian schools — More than one in ten
• 11.6%share of Italy’s enrolled pupils — Without Italian citizenship
• 60 daysparliamentary approval window after government approval — Required for the measure

Q1

Which garments would the ban cover?

Meloni named burqas and niqabs, which cover the face, but did not include the hijab headscarf.

Q2

How would the proposal become law?

The cabinet would first approve the package, then parliament would need to pass it within sixty days.

Q3

What rules already apply to veils?

Existing law limits clothing that impedes identification without valid reason, while a court allowed face veils for religious reasons when checks remain possible.

Q4

How widespread is foreign enrolment?

Foreign-national pupils make up more than one in nine students nationally, so a classroom cap could affect schools across Italy.

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