Italy is preparing new school policies that would limit the number of foreign students in individual classes, require some parents to learn Italian and prohibit face-covering veils such as burqas and niqabs in schools.
The proposed measures come amid ongoing debate in Italy over migration, cultural integration, religious symbols and education. The country has been a major entry point for migrants arriving through the central Mediterranean.
Under the planned rules, a maximum number of foreign students would be set for each class, although the specific limit has not yet been announced.
Authorities also plan to require parents of foreign students who face significant difficulties integrating into the Italian education system to learn the language.
The government has argued that large numbers of students who do not understand Italian in the same classroom could make integration more difficult and affect their ability to participate fully in the education system.
Foreign nationals currently account for around 11.6 per cent of students enrolled in Italian schools, according to available research data.
The proposed rules would also ban face-covering garments including burqas and niqabs in schools. The government says students should attend school with their faces uncovered to support communication, education and integration.
