Italy's government has announced plans to introduce a cap on the number of non-Italian-speaking pupils in the country's schools, alongside a ban on face coverings in classrooms.

The reported measures target two separate issues: language integration of foreign pupils and visible religious or cultural face coverings worn inside school premises. Both changes would apply nationally if adopted into law.

What changes for non-Italian speakers?

The central proposal is a numerical cap — a ceiling on how many pupils without sufficient Italian language skills a school, or a class, may enrol. The government argues that concentration of non-proficient speakers slows learning for entire classes and overburdens teachers.

The plan responds to a long-running debate in Italy about the share of foreign-born pupils in public schools, particularly in industrial northern cities, where some classrooms have reported high proportions of children who do not speak Italian at home.

What does the face-covering ban cover?

The second measure bans face coverings in schools. It follows similar restrictions adopted or debated in other European countries, including France and Belgium, which have legislated against full-face veils in public spaces over the past decade.

The rule would apply inside educational institutions, affecting pupils, and potentially staff and visitors, depending on the final drafting of the decree.

Who is affected?

The proposals primarily affect:

• Foreign pupils who do not yet speak Italian at the level required for mainstream classes
• Families of those pupils, who may face reassignment to other schools if a local cap is reached
• Students or staff who wear face coverings for religious or cultural reasons
• School administrators, who would enforce both the cap and the ban

What happens next?

The measures require formal adoption before they take effect. The government has presented them as part of a broader education and integration agenda; parliamentary approval and implementing regulations will determine the exact thresholds, timelines and enforcement mechanisms.

Families and school operators should monitor official channels — the Italian Ministry of Education and Universities (MUR) and the official gazette, Gazzetta Ufficiale — for the final text, since caps, deadlines and eligibility criteria can change during the legislative process. This report does not constitute legal advice; readers affected by the measures should consult official government publications or a qualified immigration professional.