Swiss: Burqa ban to come into effect on January 1, 2025

The Swiss government announced that the ban on covering the face in public places, known as the “burqa ban,” will come into force on January 1, 2025. This decision follows a difficult passage in a public referendum in 2021, which faced objections from Islamic associations.

This ban is part of a policy initiated by the same group that organized the ban on the construction of minarets in 2009. According to the official statement, anyone who violates the ban will face a fine of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately 1,144 USD).

Despite this ban, the government confirmed that there will be exceptions, as covering the face will still be permitted on airplanes, at diplomatic and consular missions, as well as in places of worship and sacred sites.

Additionally, face coverings will be allowed for health, security, traditional reasons, or due to weather conditions, as well as for use in artistic, recreational, and advertising activities.

If covering the face is necessary to protect an individual’s identity while exercising freedom of expression and assembly, it will be allowed provided that approval is obtained from the relevant authorities without disturbing public order.