Italy bans face coverings in schools and places restrictions on foreign students

A ban on face coverings has entered into force in all Italian schools, after President Sergio Mattarella signed a decree issued by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the presidential office announced on Wednesday.

Ceiling for foreign students who are not proficient in Italian

Starting from the 2027-2028 academic year, a maximum percentage of 30% will also be applied in first-year classes at all educational levels to foreign children who are not sufficiently proficient in the Italian language.

This percentage applies to children who do not have Italian citizenship, were not born in Italy, and have not attended Italian kindergartens for at least two years. In secondary schools, students must have attended Italian schools for at least three years in order not to be subject to this percentage.

Under the decree, students' faces must remain recognizable, effectively banning niqabs, burqas and other Islamic face coverings that cover the entire face.

These measures were approved by an emergency decree, and must now be approved by Parliament within 60 days, otherwise they will be invalid.

Parents are also concerned

Parents who have significant difficulties with the Italian language may also be asked to take language lessons if they are unable to communicate with their child's school.

Meloni announced these measures earlier in September, before the Council of Ministers approved the decree shortly thereafter.

Since 2022, Meloni has been leading a coalition of three far-right and conservative parties in Italy. The 49-year-old politician at the time ran a successful election campaign, pledging to take a tough stance against immigrants.