Italy’s government has passed a law banning the burqa and niqab in schools and limiting the number of foreign students in classrooms to 30 percent, with fines of up to 1,000 euros for violations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet issued a decree in this regard on Thursday, which has been implemented immediately.

The ban would have to be approved by parliament within 60 days, which also requires the approval of President Sergio Mattarella.

Under the new regulation, from the 2027-2028 academic year, the number of foreign students will be limited to 30 percent in classes where students do not have adequate knowledge of the Italian language.

Authorities will be able to transfer excess students to other nearby schools, while some schools will be granted exemptions and additional language support.

The government says the measures aim to improve integration in schools and the learning of the Italian language, but opposition parties, teachers’ unions and school principals have expressed concerns over the law, raising questions about its practical implementation and the availability of resources.