Burqa ban to come into effect from 2025 in Switzerland

ZURICH: The Swiss government Wednesday announced that a contentious prohibition on facial coverings in public areas will take effect on January 1 of the upcoming year.

The referendum for this prohibition, often referred to as the "burqa ban," was narrowly approved in 2021 and was initiated by the same group that previously organized a ban on new minarets in 2009.

The Federal Council, the governing body, stated it has established the commencement date for the ban and indicated that individuals who violate it unlawfully could face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,144).

According to the government, the ban does not extend to airplanes or diplomatic and consular locations, and covering one's face is still allowed in places of worship and other sacred sites.

Facial coverings will still be permitted for health and safety reasons, local customs, or due to weather conditions, as noted by the government.

Additionally, such coverings will be allowed for artistic and entertainment purposes, as well as for advertising, it mentioned.

If coverings are essential for personal protection in exercising freedom of expression and assembly, they are permitted if previously authorized by the relevant authority and do not disrupt public order, the statement added.