On June 30, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan signed a law prohibiting the wearing of face-covering clothing, El.kz reports

Following the signing of legislative amendments by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a law came into force on June 30, 2025, prohibiting the wearing of any face-covering clothing in public places.

“The wearing of clothing items that prevent facial recognition is prohibited in public places, except in cases where it is required by law, necessary for official duties, for medical purposes, due to weather conditions, or during sports and cultural events,” the Law on the Prevention of Offenses states.

Thus, the ban is not related to religion but to public safety and open identification.

According to Sharia, wearing a niqab is not a mandatory requirement for Muslim women. This is also confirmed by Kazakhstan’s official clergy.

A representative of the Muftiate stated that Islam allows women to keep their faces and hands visible.

“Modesty is what truly matters. Covering the face is a personal choice, not an obligation. A state ban on the niqab does not violate Sharia as long as it does not restrict the freedom of faith and prayer,” the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan explained.

Therefore, the law is social rather than religious in nature and does not infringe on the right to practice Islam.

In Which Other Countries Is the Niqab Banned?

Since the early 2000s, similar measures have been introduced in dozens of countries, primarily in Europe.

France was the first country to fully ban the niqab in public places (since 2011).

Belgium, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have adopted similar laws.

In Germany and Norway, restrictions apply in schools, public service, and on public transport.

Italy banned face-covering clothing as early as 1975, initially for public safety reasons, later adding a religious dimension to the restriction.

In all of these countries, the main motives are public safety, identity verification, and the protection of secular legislation.

Tajikistan introduced a niqab ban in 2024, emphasizing support for traditional national clothing.

Uzbekistan has imposed restrictions on religious clothing in schools and universities.

Kyrgyzstan implemented a ban on face-covering clothing starting in February 2025.