Kazakhstan imposes ban on face veils worn by Muslim women to promote national identity

Kazakhstan has become the latest Central Asian country to ban face veils, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday signed a law prohibiting women from wearing black veils and covering their faces in public, encouraging the use of traditional national attire instead.

Authorities explained that the ban was introduced due to security concerns, particularly issues with facial recognition in public spaces. Exceptions to the rule include medical settings, sports events, and extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.

According to the law, “Wearing items of clothing in public places that impede facial recognition is prohibited, except in cases where this is necessary to comply with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, fulfill official duties, or for medical, civil defense, weather-related or event-specific purposes.”

President Tokayev emphasised the importance of preserving ethnic identity through traditional clothing rather than adopting religious garments such as veils.

Read: Iranian singer flogged 74 times over hijab protest song

The decision is expected to face resistance from segments of the population, as approximately 70% of Kazakhstan’s population is Muslim, with Christianity being the second most practiced religion.

In 2023, the government also banned headscarves in schools, sparking public outcry. As many as 150 schoolgirls reportedly dropped out in protest of the measure.

Despite the criticism, local law enforcement in Kazakhstan has been actively patrolling streets to enforce the ban on hijabs and face coverings.

Neighbouring Uzbekistan has also imposed restrictions, including a $250 fine for violating hijab laws, citing the promotion of secularism as its core objective. Similarly, Tajikistan implemented a ban in 2023 aimed at reinforcing national identity and cultural unity.