Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has approved new education rules banning face coverings such as burqas and niqabs in schools and limiting the proportion of certain foreign students in some classrooms.

The decree-law, approved by the cabinet on Thursday, introduces a 30% ceiling in first-year classes for specified categories of students without Italian citizenship who have not had sufficient schooling in Italy. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has said the policy is primarily intended to address language barriers and promote integration.

The measure also prohibits students and others from participating in school activities with their faces covered, except for specified health or security reasons. Violations can result in administrative fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 euros, with parents liable when the violation involves a minor.

Meloni first announced the proposals at a gathering of the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party. Following cabinet approval, she described the measures as an effort to promote integration while maintaining school rules.

Meloni said the government wanted to prevent what she called “ghetto classrooms,” strengthen Italian-language education and ensure students have equal opportunities.

The 30% limit does not apply simply on the basis of nationality. In primary schools, it targets certain non-Italian citizens who were not born in Italy or have not completed at least two years of preschool in the country. In secondary schools, it applies to certain non-Italian students who have not successfully completed at least three years in Italy’s education system.

The government says the policy is designed to improve integration and Italian-language proficiency. Critics, including opposition figures, unions and some school officials, have challenged aspects of the measures and their implementation.

President Sergio Mattarella had previously emphasized the importance of inclusive schools. Meloni said she did not interpret his comments as criticism of the government’s proposal, arguing that creating more balanced classrooms was consistent with that objective.

Because the measure was adopted as a decree-law, it can take effect immediately but must be converted into law by parliament within 60 days to remain in force.