Face cover ban comes into effect in the Netherlands

After a 14-year debate on limited or complete ban of the veil, the law barring burka or niqab came into effect as of the first of August, 2019. Covering the face is no longer allowed in public spaces, like schools, hospitals, public departments and public transport, including trains and buses. This also applies to all face covering clothes, helmets or masks. The Dutch interior ministry advised local institutions and concerned bodies to comply with the new law, noting that its enforcement is now up to the police to ask women wearing a niqab to remove it. Should they refuse, they can be disallowed from entering public buildings or be fined with up to 150 euros (USD 167). There are around 150 women who wear niqab regularly in the Netherlands. France was the first European country to ban the veil in 2011 and several countries followed suit. (Al Diyar, August 2, 2019)

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