Meloni government bans burqas, caps foreign students in Italian schools

Italy is a front-line country for migration, with integration a hot campaign issue ahead of 2027 general election.Published On 25 Sep 202625 Sep 2026Italy’s government has moved forward with plans to ban face coverings in schools and cap the number of foreign students in classrooms. It has also threatened to exact fines of up to $1,140 for breaches of the new rules.Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outlined the proposed changes on Sunday at a gathering of the youth wing of her nationalist conservative Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. On Thursday, Meloni’s cabinet adopted the decree-law, rendering the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools illegal and introducing a 30-percent cap on non-Italian speakers in classrooms starting next year.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Migrant crossings to Europe by sea drop sharply amid heightened risks: IOMlist 2 of 3Meloni sets a record, leading Italy’s longest-serving government since WWIIlist 3 of 3Meloni promises to ban burqas, niqabs in Italy’s schoolsend of listFailure to comply will be punishable with a fine of up to $1,140 (1,000 euros).The measure is a decree-law, meaning it can take effect immediately, but it must be ratified by p...