Italy plans decree to cap foreign students and ban full-face veils in schools

The Meloni government is preparing a decree that would impose two new school rules: a ceiling of 30% foreign-born students in each class and a prohibition on burqa and niqab inside school premises. During a speech at the Fenix stage, the premier explained that a smaller proportion of pupils who do not speak Italian facilitates faster language acquisition and social integration. She also stated that no student should be required to hide her face for cultural reasons.

The announcement has been picked up by international press, noting that other European nations are adopting similar or stricter policies. In France, for example, full-face veils are already banned in public offices. The draft decree is still under discussion and has not yet been enacted.