Italy’s Cabinet has approved a new school decree introducing a ban on face coverings such as burqas and niqabs and new limits on the number of certain non-Italian students in first-year classes.

The government says the measures are intended to strengthen integration, improve Italian-language skills and ensure a more balanced composition of classrooms. The decree was approved by the Council of Ministers on September 24 and takes effect immediately, but must be converted into law by Parliament within 60 days.

30% limit applies to specific students

The 30% ceiling does not apply to every student without Italian citizenship.

In primary schools, it concerns pupils who are not Italian citizens and were not born in Italy or have not attended at least two years of Italian preschool. In lower and upper secondary schools, it applies to non-Italian citizens who have not successfully attended Italy’s national education system for at least three years.

Children born in Italy and those with sufficient previous experience in the Italian education system are therefore excluded from the calculation. The new classroom rules are due to apply from the 2027-28 academic year.

Burqa and niqab banned in schools

The decree prohibits participation in school activities with the face covered in a way that prevents identification, subject to specified health and educational exceptions.

The government has specifically cited burqas and niqabs. The hijab is not covered by the ban. Violations can attract fines of €200 to €1,000. If the violation involves a minor, the penalty can also apply to the person with parental responsibility.

Language support also included

Schools can refer cases involving serious language difficulties among parents to social services, which may arrange free Italian-language courses. Financial penalties can apply if parents fail to participate without an applicable exemption.

Opposition and educators raise concerns

Opposition parties, teachers’ unions and school representatives have questioned how the classroom limit will work in areas with large migrant populations. The National Association of School Principals has also raised practical concerns about transferring pupils when local schools cannot meet the limit.

The decree now enters the parliamentary process, where lawmakers have 60 days to approve, amend or reject its conversion into law.