Italy to ban burqa and niqab in schools, limit number of foreign students: Meloni

Italy is going to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and limit the number of foreign students in classes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said.

The proposed measures also include compulsory Italian language classes for parents of foreign students who face serious difficulties in integrating into the education system.

Meloni announced the plans while speaking at a national festival organised by the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy (FdI) party in Rome.

“For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture and respect our rules,” Meloni told the gathering, receiving a standing ovation. “It is the only serious way to welcome them.”

The proposals are part of the government’s wider approach to immigration and integration. Immigration is expected to remain a major issue ahead of Italy’s next general election in 2027.

The measures have yet to become law. After being approved by the government, they would have to receive parliamentary approval within 60 days.

Meloni’s right-wing administration has been in power longer than any other Italian government since the end of World War II.

However, her FdI party is facing a challenge from the National Future (FN) party, which is positioned further to the right. FN’s support has increased in opinion polls since February and the party is expected to compete strongly in 2027.

The FN had already called for restrictions on burqas in schools in July.

Meloni also said parents of foreign students facing major difficulties in adapting to the Italian school system would be required to attend Italian language lessons.

The government says the measures are intended to promote integration by encouraging newcomers to learn the Italian language and understand the country’s culture and laws.