Kazakhstan Enforces Ban on Face Veils in Public Places

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Astana — Kazakhstan has imposed a nationwide ban on face-covering garments, particularly the niqab, in public spaces, following the signing of a controversial law by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday. The ban came into immediate effect.

According to President Tokayev, the legislation aims to eliminate elements that obstruct public identification, address security concerns, and promote social harmony.

The law clearly states that any clothing covering the face in a way that interferes with public identification is now prohibited. Authorities believe this step will help build greater trust among citizens.

Kazakhstan is not the only country in the region to introduce such measures. Other Central Asian nations have also imposed restrictions on religious attire in recent years:

• Tajikistan: Official ban on hijab in 2024
• Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan: Previously placed restrictions on niqab or other Islamic clothing
• Egypt: Recently, the Ministry of Education banned niqab in schools while allowing the hijab

While the majority of Kazakhstan’s population is Muslim, the state defines itself as a secular republic. The move comes at a time when the government is adopting strict policies against extremism, separatism, and security threats.

Some religious organizations and human rights groups have voiced concerns over the law, suggesting it could potentially restrict religious freedom.

Over the past two decades, several European countries — including France, Belgium, and Denmark — have also imposed public bans on burqas or niqabs, fueling an ongoing global debate about whether such laws conflict with the principles of religious freedom or are necessary steps for security and social cohesion.

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