Categories: International News

Swiss ‘burqa ban’ to take effect from Jan 1, 2025

Switzerland’s ban on facial coverings (Burqa)  in public spaces, commonly known as the “burqa ban,” will officially take effect on January 1, 2024, the government confirmed on Wednesday.

Initially passed in a close 2021 referendum, the measure, backed by the same political group that championed the 2009 ban on new minarets, has been met with criticism from Muslim organizations. The law prohibits most forms of face coverings in public, with violators facing fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,144).

The Federal Council’s statement outlined several exemptions to the ban. Facial coverings are permitted on airplanes, in diplomatic and consular buildings, and in places of worship or other sacred sites. Exceptions also apply for health and safety reasons, cultural traditions, severe weather conditions, artistic or entertainment purposes, and advertising.

Additionally, coverings worn for personal protection during lawful demonstrations are allowed if prior approval is obtained from authorities and if public order remains unaffected.

This move aligns Switzerland with several other European nations that have implemented similar bans on facial coverings in public, citing public security and social integration as key motivations.

Web Desk

Recent Posts

Pathfinder Global and Azad Properties join forces to drive retail innovation across Saudi with RetailGPT

RIYADH: In a landmark moment at the MENA Congress Retail in Riyadh, the leading retail…

23 hours ago

Dubai Property Market sets new benchmarks with over 50,000 sales transactions

DUBAI: The real estate market in Dubai continues to grow at an exponential rate, driven…

23 hours ago

UAE well-positioned to become a regional and global publishing hub

SHARJAH: TRENDS Research and Advisory, in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association, has launched a…

23 hours ago

Ukraine hits Russia with US ATACMS missiles for first time

Ukraine used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to hit a Russian military site in the Bryansk region…

2 days ago

Imran Khan’s Release Unlikely, Says Faisal Vawda

Islamabad: Senator Faisal Vawda has dismissed the possibility of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned November 24…

2 days ago

Leave PTI if can’t attend Nov 24 protest: Imran Khan

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called on party leaders and ticket holders…

2 days ago