The Italian government has introduced a decree that sets a cap on the proportion of newly arrived migrant students in classrooms and bans the wearing of the burqa and niqab in schools. The measures, which have sparked criticism for potentially increasing social tensions ahead of next year’s general election, aim to regulate classroom composition and promote integration.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, defended the decree, describing the policies as "commonsense measures that do not divide but genuinely help to integrate." Among the key provisions is a limit that restricts students who do not yet have adequate proficiency in Italian to 30% of the classroom population. The government argues this threshold is intended to facilitate better educational outcomes by ensuring language barriers do not hinder teaching and learning.

Additionally, the decree prohibits the wearing of the burqa and niqab in educational settings, citing concerns related to communication and security within schools. The government contends that these measures uphold secular principles and contribute to social cohesion.

However, critics contend that the decree and the accompanying rhetoric risk marginalizing migrant communities and exacerbating divisions at a time of heightened political sensitivity. Opponents argue that the restrictions on classroom composition could limit access to education for newcomers and foster an environment of exclusion rather than integration.

The move comes as Italy prepares for general elections scheduled for next year, with migration and national identity among the most contentious issues in public debate. Meloni’s government maintains that such policies are necessary to manage migration challenges pragmatically and promote the successful assimilation of migrants into Italian society.