Meloni bans burqa and niqab in Italian schools and caps non-Italian speakers at 30% per class

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has approved a decree banning face-covering veils including the burqa and niqab from schools and capping at 30% the share of pupils in any one classroom who lack sufficient Italian. The decree takes immediate effect but must clear parliament within 60 days — a threshold Meloni's coalition has the numbers to meet. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara says only around 1,000 classrooms — roughly 0.3% of the total — will initially be affected.

Meloni framed the measures as 'common-sense tools' to prevent 'ghetto classrooms' and give all pupils equal opportunities.

Opposition parties, teachers' unions and some educators warn the caps could force children to travel far from their neighbourhoods to attend school.

The move comes with elections potentially due as early as next spring, as Meloni faces pressure from hard-right challenger, retired general Roberto Vannacci, on immigration and national identity.