Italy moves to ban face coverings and limit foreign pupils in schools with new law

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Published: 2026-09-25T11:19:03.630Z • Permanent link

Italy's government has unveiled a new law aimed at promoting Italian culture and language in schools, amidst growing concerns over the impact of globalization and immigration on the country's education system. The law, which was presented by Education Minister Gaetano Scalfarotto, prohibits pupils from covering their faces in schools and limits the number of non-Italian nationals in some classes. The measure is seen as a bid to promote Italian identity and language among students, with parents also required to learn basic Italian as a condition of their children's enrollment.

The law, which is set to come into effect in September, has sparked controversy and debate across Italy, with critics arguing that it is a form of cultural nationalism that could exacerbate existing social tensions. The Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reported that in 2020, 16.4% of pupils in Italy were foreign nationals, with the majority coming from North Africa and the Middle East. The government's decision to limit the number of non-Italian nationals in some classes has been criticized by immigrant rights groups, who argue that it is discriminatory and could lead to further marginalization of minority communities.

The law is also expected to have significant implications for the country's education sector, with some schools already reporting a decline in enrollment among foreign students. According to a report by the Italian Observatory for Migration (OIM), the number of foreign students in Italy decreased by 12.6% in 2020 compared to the previous year, with many citing the government's immigration policies as a major factor in their decision to leave the country.

The Italian government's decision to limit the number of non-Italian nationals in some classes has significant implications for the country's research communities, particularly in the fields of science and technology. Italy is home to several world-renowned research institutions, including the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and the Italian National Institute of Standards and Technologies (INOKT), which attract students and researchers from around the world. The government's decision to limit the number of foreign students could lead to a brain drain, with many talented researchers and scientists leaving Italy in search of more favorable conditions.

The law also has implications for the country's markets, particularly in the technology sector. Italy is home to several major tech companies, including Huawei and Intel, which rely heavily on foreign talent to develop their products. The government's decision to limit the number of non-Italian nationals in some classes could lead to a shortage of skilled workers, which could have significant implications for the country's economy. According to a report by the Italian Trade Commission, the tech sector is responsible for over 10% of Italy's GDP, and the government's decision to limit the number of foreign students could lead to a decline in investment and economic growth.

The Italian government's decision to limit the number of non-Italian nationals in some classes is part of a broader trend towards cultural nationalism that is sweeping across Europe. In recent years, several European countries, including France and Hungary, have implemented measures aimed at promoting their national identity and culture, often at the expense of minority communities. The Italian government's decision is also part of a larger debate about the role of immigration in shaping European societies, with many arguing that immigration is a key driver of economic growth and cultural diversity.