Global Restrictions on Islamic Dress: Denmark, Italy Lead the Charge Amid Growing Debates

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In recent years, debates surrounding Islamic dress, particularly head coverings such as the hijab, niqab, and burqa, have intensified across the globe. Denmark has been at the forefront with its 2018 ban on face-covering garments in public spaces, a measure aimed at promoting social integration and security.

Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, is now pushing forward with new legislation to prohibit full-face coverings like the burqa and niqab in public, with potential fines ranging from €300 to €3,000 for violators. This move aligns with a broader trend where over 20 countries have implemented restrictions on Islamic head coverings, often citing reasons like national security, secularism, and gender equality. These policies vary widely, from outright nationwide bans to targeted prohibitions in schools, government buildings, or public transport.

While some view these restrictions as necessary for public safety and cultural assimilation, critics argue they infringe on religious freedoms and disproportionately target Muslim women. As of October 2025, the landscape includes established laws in numerous nations and emerging proposals in others. Below is a comprehensive overview of countries already enforcing restrictions, followed by those planning or considering similar measures in the near future.

Countries Already Practicing Restrictions

More than 20 countries have active laws restricting Islamic head coverings, with bans typically focusing on full-face veils like the niqab and burqa, though some extend to the hijab in specific contexts. These restrictions are grouped by region for clarity.

Europe

Europe hosts the majority of such bans, often rooted in secular traditions and security concerns.

Austria: Full-face coverings (niqab, burqa) banned in public since 2017; fines up to €150. A previous hijab ban in primary schools was overturned in 2020.
Belgium: Nationwide ban on face-covering clothing in public since 2011; upheld by the European Court of Human Rights in 2017.
Bulgaria: Face coverings prohibited in public since 2016; fines up to €770.
Denmark: Face coverings banned in public spaces since 2018; fines from 1,000 to 10,000 kroner.
France: Face coverings banned nationwide since 2010; conspicuous religious symbols like the hijab prohibited in public schools since 2004.
Germany: Face coverings banned for state workers and soldiers since 2017; employers can restrict headscarves for neutrality.
Kosovo: Hijab banned in public schools, universities, and government buildings since 2009.
Latvia: Legal ban on face coverings adopted in 2016, though implementation has been limited.
Netherlands: Partial ban on face coverings in schools, public transport, healthcare, and government buildings since 2019; fines from €150.
Norway: Burqa and niqab banned in schools and universities since 2018.
Russia: Hijab banned in schools in some regions, such as Stavropol, since 2012.
Sweden: Islamic veils banned in educational institutions in municipalities like Skurup and Staffanstorp since 2019.
Switzerland: Nationwide ban on face coverings in public effective from January 1, 2025; earlier regional bans in cantons like Ticino (2013) and St. Gallen (2018).

Africa

Restrictions here often stem from security threats following terrorist incidents.

Algeria: Full-face veils (niqab, burqa) banned for public servants at work since 2018.
Cameroon: Full-face veils banned nationwide since 2015.
Chad: Burqa banned nationwide since 2015.
Egypt: Niqab banned in schools since 2023; various bans in universities and exams.
Gabon: Full-face veils banned in public and workplaces since 2015.
Morocco: Manufacturing, marketing, and sale of Afghan burqas banned since 2017.
Republic of the Congo: Full-face veils banned in public since 2015.
Tunisia: Niqab banned in public institutions since 2019; historical bans on hijab in schools and government buildings since 1981.

Asia

Central Asian countries have increasingly adopted restrictions to counter perceived extremism.

Azerbaijan: Hijab banned in public schools and universities since 2010.
China: Burqa banned in Xinjiang region since 2017.
Kazakhstan: Hijab banned for students and teachers in schools since 2023; full veil ban enacted in July 2025 for security.
Kyrgyzstan: Hijab banned in schools since at least 2015; broader veil and face mask ban passed in February 2025.
Sri Lanka: All face-covering clothing banned nationwide since 2019.
Tajikistan: Complete hijab ban nationwide since June 2024.

Other Regions

Canada (Quebec): Religious symbols, including hijab, banned for public servants in authority positions since 2019.

Countries Planning to Follow Suit in the Near Future

Several nations are actively considering or proposing new restrictions, reflecting ongoing debates as of 2025.

Austria: Government pushing to reintroduce a hijab ban in schools, targeting Muslim girls amid rising fears of discrimination.
Denmark: Prime Minister has called for expanding the existing face-covering ban, potentially affecting more women in the Muslim community.
India: Ongoing proposals in states like Uttar Pradesh for outright burqa bans in public, citing security; previous calls from parties like Shiv Sena in 2019 and 2020.
Italy: Legislation proposed in October 2025 to ban burqa and niqab in public spaces, including schools and offices; part of broader regulations on religious funding.
Sweden: Deputy Prime Minister advocated in 2025 for a nationwide burqa ban to address “failed integration.”

These developments highlight a polarizing global conversation, balancing security and secularism against religious expression. As more countries weigh in, the impact on Muslim communities worldwide remains a key point of contention.