Meloni Proposes Restrictions on Foreign Students and Face Veils in Schools

The government intends to introduce legislation that limits how many students without Italian proficiency can occupy a single classroom. Meloni argued that while a lone student struggling with the language can be integrated effectively, high concentrations of non-Italian speakers create systemic barriers to learning. To support this transition, the administration plans to mandate language training for parents of students who fail to meet integration benchmarks.

Beyond enrollment caps, the proposed reforms target school dress codes by banning garments such as burqas and niqabs. Meloni emphasized that the school environment requires openness, suggesting that face coverings fundamentally clash with the goal of social integration. Currently, non-citizens account for 11.6% of the student population in Italy, a demographic reality the Prime Minister cited as a primary driver for these strict new requirements.