Italy approves limits on non-Italian speakers and veils in school classrooms

Italy's government has approved a decree limiting the number of non-Italian speaking students in classrooms and banning face-covering Islamic veils in schools. Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative government aims to strengthen integration through language learning, garnering support from right-wing allies. Critics warn the new rules could force students to attend schools farther away from home and accuse the government of politicizing immigration.

The limit of 30% applies to students lacking sufficient Italian proficiency, regardless of citizenship or country of origin. The decree takes effect immediately but must be approved by parliament within 60 days.