Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet adopted on Thursday, September 24, 2026, a decree-law banning the burqa and niqab in schools and capping at 30% the share of pupils without Italian proficiency per class starting next year, according to Al Jazeera and confirmed by ANSA.

Non-compliance carries a fine of up to 1,000 euros — and the decree takes effect immediately but needs parliamentary ratification within 60 days.