Italy is set to introduce new measures that would prohibit the wearing of burqas and niqabs in schools and limit the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the proposed measures on Sunday while speaking at a youth event organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome.
According to Meloni, the government would soon present the proposal to the Council of Ministers for consideration.
The planned measure would also require parents of foreign students experiencing serious difficulties integrating into the Italian school system to learn the Italian language.
Meloni said the government’s approach was aimed at strengthening integration within the education system, stressing that people who choose to live in Italy should learn the country’s language, understand its culture and respect its laws.
The proposed restriction on foreign students comes as Italy continues to grapple with migration and integration challenges.
However, the exact number of foreign students that would be permitted in each classroom has not yet been disclosed.
Italy already has a guideline introduced in 2010 limiting foreign students to 30 per cent of a class, although exceptions can be made depending on students’ language abilities and other circumstances. Foreign students currently account for about 11.6 per cent of pupils in Italian schools.
The proposed face-covering restriction would apply specifically to burqas and niqabs. Meloni did not announce a ban on the hijab, which leaves the face uncovered.
The announcement is expected to generate further debate in Italy over immigration, religious expression, cultural integration and the rights of Muslim communities.
The measures have not yet become law and would have to go through the required legislative process before taking effect.
