Ban on face coverings now applies in Switzerland

From today, New Year's Day, no one will be allowed to cover their face in public places anywhere in Switzerland, Report informs via Blue News.

The "burqa ban" passed by the people in 2021 applies.

A ban on face coverings will apply in Switzerland from January 1, 2025. The ban on face coverings is the first time that clothing regulations have been enshrined in the Swiss constitution. However, the new law implementing the so-called burqa initiative is only likely to affect a few people.

The ban and possible fines could primarily affect Muslim tourists who wear face veils such as the burqa or niqab. Whether guests from the Near and Middle East will stay away from Switzerland as a result, as feared by tourism experts, remains to be seen.

Around 400,000 Muslims live in Switzerland. According to the Federal Council, only a few of them cover their faces.

However, the new law implementing the so-called burqa initiative does not only cover religious face veils. The ban is also aimed at hooligans at sporting events or violent demonstrators who cover their faces.

After winning the referendum with 51.2% of votes in favor, former SVP party president Marco Chiesa described the ban as a "clear signal against radical Islam, against masked hooligans and for the peaceful coexistence of people in Switzerland".