Italy’s government has passed a controversial decree placing limits on the number of students with limited Italian language skills in each classroom and banning face‑covering Islamic veils in schools.

Premier Giorgia Meloni’s conservative government announced the package on Thursday, describing it as a measure to strengthen integration through language learning. The decree, which takes immediate effect, must be endorsed by parliament within 60 days, where Meloni’s coalition holds a majority.

Officials said the move aims to ensure smoother classroom communication and promote cultural integration. The ban on face‑covering veils is framed as part of efforts to maintain transparency and inclusivity in educational spaces.

The decree has drawn strong support from Meloni’s right‑wing allies, who argue it will help safeguard Italian identity and improve learning outcomes. However, critics warn it risks marginalising immigrant communities and restricting religious freedoms.

Italy has seen rising debates over immigration, integration, and national identity, with schools often at the centre of these discussions. The new decree is expected to spark further debate across Europe, where similar measures have been contested in courts and parliaments.