Italy is drafting new rules that could ban burqas and niqabs in schools and restrict the number of foreign students in individual classrooms. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the measures on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at an event in Rome organized by the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party.
Schools to prohibit burqas and niqabs
The proposed measures would require students to attend school with their faces uncovered. Meloni specifically cited a ban on the burqa and niqab, which cover the whole face.
The proposal does not refer to the hijab specifically. A hijab generally covers the hair and neck, but leaves the face exposed.
“Those who come to Italy and want to build their future in the country should learn the Italian language, understand the culture and respect the country’s rules,” Meloni said.
Classroom Limits for Foreign Students?
The Italian government also plans to set a limit on the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom.
The precise limit has not been disclosed yet. Non-Italian students account for about 11.6% of students in Italian schools, according to figures cited by Reuters.
Meloni said that having many students in a class struggle with Italian can make it more difficult to integrate into the school system and to learn the language.
Some parents may need to learn Italian
The measures might also include Italian language classes for parents of foreign students who have serious problems getting integrated into the education system.
The government says the wider proposals are tied to language learning and integration in Italian schools.
Proposal Still Pending Seal of Approval from Parliament
The ban on the burqa and niqab is not yet law. The Italian government has approved the measure, which will need to be approved by parliament in 60 days to become law, Moneycontrol reported.
Italy already has rules on face coverings in some situations. There is no law preventing burqas from schools or public places at present, but a 1975 law bans clothing that makes identification difficult without a reason given, Reuters reported.
The proposed school rules are still in the government’s legislative process and must be approved by parliament.
