President Sergio Mattarella signed the government decree banning face coverings in all schools in Italy, targeting full-face Islamic veils such as the burqa and niqab.

The ban on covering the face has entered into force in all schools in Italy after President Sergio Mattarella signed a decree issued by the government led by Giorgia Meloni. The measure stipulates that students’ faces must be recognizable, effectively banning the wearing of full Islamic veils such as the burqa and niqab.

The decree also introduces a 30% limit for foreign children who do not have sufficient command of the Italian language. The quota will apply from the 2027–2028 school year, in the first grade, at all levels of education. It applies to children who do not have Italian citizenship, were not born in Italy, and have not attended at least two years of Italian kindergarten. In secondary education, students must have attended an Italian school for at least three years in order not to fall under the quota.

Parents who face significant difficulties using the Italian language could be required to attend courses if they are unable to communicate adequately with the school. The emergency decree must be approved by parliament within 60 days; otherwise, it will lose its validity. The measures are part of the tough migration policy promoted by Meloni, whose party continues to lead the polls ahead of elections expected next year.