Kazakhstan Bans Facial Coverings in Public, Affecting Devout Muslims

Kazakhstan Bans Facial Coverings in Public, Affecting Devout Muslims
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed into law a ban on wearing facial coverings in public places, Eurosianet reported. While officials say the law aims to reduce crime by preventing the use of clothing that obstructs facial recognition, it also impacts religious practices, particularly among devout Muslims.

The legislation, titled On Prevention of Offenses, does not explicitly list banned items like balaclavas but is intended to curb crimes involving face-concealing garments. Although exceptions are made for medical, professional, and sports-related reasons, no exemptions are granted for religious attire. As a result, women in Kazakhstan are now prohibited from wearing the niqab, an Islamic facial covering, in public.

Similar restrictions on head and facial coverings have been introduced in other Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In 2023, Kazakhstan also banned girls and women from wearing hijabs in schools, citing principles of equality and secularism. A government statement at the time emphasized that no religion should receive special privileges under the law.

Kazakh media quoted President Tokayev encouraging citizens to wear traditional national clothing instead of face-concealing black robes.