Italy bans burqas, niqabs in schools, sets 30% cap for some foreign students

Italy's cabinet has approved a new school decree banning the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools and imposing a 30 per cent cap on certain foreign students. The measure, approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, aims to strengthen integration and improve Italian-language skills among migrant students.

The decree will take effect as a decree-law and must be converted into law by parliament within 60 days. Meloni described the measures as 'common-sense' steps to prevent the creation of 'ghetto classrooms' and ensure equal educational opportunities.

The 30 per cent cap applies to non-Italian students who have not completed sufficient years in Italy's education system. In primary schools, the limit applies to pupils not born in Italy or who have not attended at least two years of preschool. In secondary schools, it applies to students who have not completed at least three years in the national education system.

Students born in Italy or those with sufficient time in the Italian school system are excluded from the cap. The government claims the measure is intended to prevent classrooms from becoming heavily concentrated with students requiring additional language support.

Schools unable to meet the 30 per cent limit will receive additional Italian-language support and other educational measures instead of excluding students. The decree also requires parents of students with significant language difficulties to attend free Italian-language courses, with failure to attend resulting in fines up to 1,000 euros.

The measures have drawn criticism from opposition parties, unions, and school representatives, who question the practicality of the 30 per cent rule and its impact on student placement. The government maintains the measures are designed to prevent concentration of students with weaker language skills and provide additional support.