Full Breakdown
Italy’s Prime Minister Proposes School Ban on Burqas, Niqabs and New Limits on Foreign-Student Numbers
By Drooid · · How we work
Proposed School Policy Changes
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced two legislative proposals aimed at “protecting Italian identity” in classrooms. The first would prohibit the wearing of full-face veils—burqas and niqabs—in all public schools. The second seeks to introduce a legal cap on the number of foreign-origin pupils per class, supplementing the existing 30 % ceiling that is often unenforced. The proposals must receive parliamentary approval within 60 days to become law.
Background and Context
The initiative follows a 2025 party-draft bill to ban face coverings in all public spaces, framed as a response to what Meloni’s government calls “Islamic separatism.” Similar bans exist in France (2011) and have been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights in Belgium (2017). The issue is expected to feature prominently in the 2027 general election, where immigration has been a central campaign theme.
Data and Statistics
- Approximately 930,000 students without Italian citizenship are enrolled in schools, representing almost 11.6 % of the total school population (Fondazione ISMU).
- Foreign students currently account for about 12 % of enrolments, while a statutory 30 % cap on foreign pupils per class is already in place but frequently not enforced.
- Over the past decade, the number of foreign minors in Italy has declined by 4.5 % (Fondazione ISMU).
Official Statements & Responses
She also pledged compulsory Italian-language lessons for parents of foreign students who face “serious difficulties integrating.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “If the number of children who do not understand the language of instruction becomes large, or even forms the majority, that is no longer integration; that is neglect,” — Giorgia Meloni, far-right prime minister
- “Under a Reform UK Government, all face coverings will be banned.” — Prime Minister. Mr Farage
- “In Italy no one, in the name of a real or supposed tradition, can decide that a young woman must hide herself.” — Giorgia Meloni, far-right prime minister