Italy Enacts School Decree Banning Face Veils and Capping Non-Italian Pupils

Key points

• The decree prohibits students from participating in school activities with their face covered, imposing fines up to €1,000 for violations; it targets the burqa and niqab but explicitly excludes the hijab.
• A 30% cap is introduced for first-year classes on pupils who are not Italian citizens and lack sufficient Italian language proficiency, with specific criteria varying between primary and secondary education levels.
• The law mandates free Italian language courses for parents with limited proficiency, requiring them to reach an A2 level, and allows for referrals to social services in cases of persistent integration barriers.
• The measure is a decree-law that takes effect immediately but requires ratification by parliament within 60 days; President Sergio Mattarella has expressed concern about barriers to education.
• Critics, including the Democratic Party and rights groups, argue the policy is an unworkable 'witch hunt' designed to pander to far-right voters, while the government insists it promotes integration and equality.

Background

This development follows Meloni's earlier announcements in September 2026 regarding stricter immigration and integration policies. It mirrors recent European trends, such as Portugal's 2026 ban on public face coverings, though Italy's measure is specific to the school environment. The policy also builds on a 2010 ministerial notice that previously suggested a 30% limit on non-citizen pupils as a guideline, now formalized into law.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews and Al Jazeera emphasize the legal mechanics and the immediate fines, noting the decree's status as a law requiring parliamentary ratification. BBC highlights Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara's framing of the cap as 'purely linguistic' rather than based on citizenship, and Meloni's gender equality arguments. The Guardian and BBC focus heavily on the political context, citing polls that show the far-right National Future (FN) party gaining support, which critics say is driving Meloni's policy shift. Opposition figures like Elly Schlein and Anna Ascani describe the measure as 'shameful' and 'propaganda,' arguing it ignores real school infrastructure issues. Conversely, Meloni and Valditara reject the notion of chasing FN's agenda, with Valditara stating FN is 'chasing us.' Rights campaigners like Daniela Ionita argue the rhetoric masks a lack of concrete achievements by the government.

Why it matters

The decree signals a significant shift in Italy's education and integration policies, potentially affecting approximately 1,000 classrooms nationwide. It reflects the growing political pressure from the far-right and the government's attempt to redefine its stance on migration ahead of the 2027 elections. The policy may exacerbate tensions in communities with high migrant populations and could set a precedent for stricter integration requirements across Europe.

What to watch

Parliament must ratify the decree within 60 days for it to remain in force. Local school authorities will begin coordinating student placements to meet the 30% cap, with exemptions and additional funding for schools unable to comply. The policy's full impact will be assessed in the 2027-28 school year, while political debates will likely intensify as the 2027 general election approaches.