Kazakhstan Bans Face Coverings Despite 70% Muslim Population
Kazakhstan, a Muslim-majority country, has officially banned face coverings such as the hijab and niqab in public places. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on June 20, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen national identity and promote traditional culture.
Although approximately 70% of Kazakhstan’s 20 million population is Muslim, the government emphasized that this measure is not against religion but aims to prioritize cultural heritage. The law bans garments that obscure the face and prevent identification. Exceptions are allowed for medical reasons, severe weather, sports, and cultural events.
Focus on Cultural Identity
President Tokayev stated that promoting Kazakhstan’s traditional attire over foreign styles like black hijabs will help reinforce the nation’s true cultural identity. A similar school-level hijab ban was imposed in 2023, which led to protests and students refusing to attend classes.
Other Muslim-Majority Nations with Similar Bans
Kazakhstan isn’t the only Muslim-majority country implementing such restrictions. Several others have enacted similar laws:
- Tajikistan (2024): Passed a law banning the hijab, calling it part of a "foreign culture." Violators face fines up to $3,724.
- Kyrgyzstan (2025): Imposed a total ban on niqabs and burqas, labeling them as "alien to society."
- Uzbekistan (2021): Banned hijabs in educational institutions.
- Egypt (2023): Prohibited face veils in schools and universities.
Non-Muslim Countries with Face-Covering Bans
Outside the Islamic world, many European nations such as Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, France, and Russia have also banned face coverings in public spaces, primarily citing security and cultural integration concerns.