Italy Plans Legislation to Limit Foreign Students per Class and Ban Burqas in Schools

Italian Prime Minister Proposes New Measures on Foreign Students in Schools

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed plans for a legislative proposal aimed at capping the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom and prohibiting the wearing of burqas and niqabs within schools. This bill is expected to be presented to the government soon. The move addresses challenges related to migrant integration, particularly involving students from predominantly Muslim countries. Currently, foreign pupils make up 11.6% of the total student population across Italian schools.

Announced during a youth event hosted by Meloni's party, the draft law will also require parents of foreign children facing significant integration difficulties to ensure their children learn the Italian language. However, the Prime Minister did not specify the exact maximum number of foreign students permissible per class.

“Students must attend school with their faces uncovered. In Italy, no one-under the guise of real or imagined tradition-has the right to decide that a young woman should conceal her face.”

Giorgia Meloni

Meloni emphasized the importance of effective integration, stating, “If there is only one child in the class who does not speak Italian, chances are they will quickly learn the language and integrate with the help of classmates and teachers. But when the number of children who don’t understand Italian grows significantly-or even becomes the majority-that is no longer integration, it is neglect.”

The Complex Debate Surrounding Integration

As one of Europe’s main destinations for migrants, Italy is grappling with complex integration issues, especially relating to students from Muslim-majority nations. The government’s new initiative aims to improve the education system’s response and promote smoother assimilation of foreign students.

Meloni’s proposal reflects growing concerns over migrant integration amid a rising proportion of foreign pupils in Italian schools. The bill is likely to spark debates over individual rights and freedoms, particularly concerning young women, since banning burqas and niqabs may be seen as restricting cultural and religious expressions. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for Italy’s domestic politics and its diplomatic ties with Muslim-majority countries.