Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris is examining two different scenarios regarding a potential burqa ban in Greece. The issue has already been discussed in Parliament.

According to the government’s public statements, the focus is not on the scale of the phenomenon in Greece, but rather on the issue of rights, particularly possible coercion.

According to information from Protothema.gr, the government was not caught off guard by this issue. Preparatory steps have already been taken to measure both public opinion and the actual scope of the problem.

As Plevris stated in Parliament, Deputy Minister Sevi Voloudaki conducted research in reception and accommodation facilities under the ministry’s authority. Discussions were held with women who wear burqas, and several key conclusions have already been drawn.

In terms of numbers, the cases appear to be relatively few, which is why the issue had not previously become a major public debate. However, qualitatively the situation appears clearer.

Several women and minor girls who wear burqas reportedly said during these discussions that they feel pressured by their communities to fully cover their faces, fearing targeting or criticism from men within their community.

The Two Scenarios

With the situation partially clarified, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum is examining two possible policy scenarios. According to Protothema.gr, the Prime Minister is also aware of these discussions, although no final decision has been approved yet.

Scenario 1

The ban would apply only within facilities under the ministry’s authority and in schools, and only for minors.

Scenario 2

The framework would be broader and would apply to all public services, as well as the previously mentioned locations, but still strictly for minors.

The reasoning behind both scenarios focuses on free will: whether a child can genuinely choose to cover their entire face without pressure, especially when the vast majority of their peers do not.

A senior source from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum told Protothema.gr:

“Girls who have the freedom to wear whatever they want, without being forced to cover their facial features, will integrate more smoothly into society.”

Headscarves, the Muslim Minority in Thrace, and Rights

A key element in the debate is the distinction between full face coverings (such as the burqa or niqab) and the headscarf, which leaves the face visible.

The minister has clearly stated that “the discussion does not concern the headscarf”, but rather the full concealment of facial features.

This distinction has significant political and social importance in Greece, where the state officially recognizes the Muslim minority in Thrace as a religious minority, based on international obligations connected to the Treaty of Lausanne.

In other words, any discussion about restrictions on religious clothing is highly sensitive and must be carefully targeted so it is not perceived as a broader intervention in religious expression.

At the same time, the government’s approach tries to frame the issue primarily around individual rights—especially those of women and minors—and coercion, rather than a general debate about religion.

Other European Countries

The Greek government is also examining European practices and legal precedents in order to shape its approach.

Across Europe, regulations vary widely—from complete bans in public spaces to partial bans in specific settings such as schools or public services.

Examples include:

France
Since 2010, clothing intended to conceal the face in public spaces has been banned. Exceptions exist for health, professional, sports, or cultural reasons.
Forcing someone to cover their face due to gender is considered a separate criminal offense, with stricter penalties if the victim is a minor.

Belgium
A ban applies to clothing that fully or partially covers the face in public spaces.

Denmark
In 2018, the “face covering ban” law introduced fines for wearing clothing that hides the face in public spaces.

Netherlands
A partial ban has applied since August 1, 2019, covering public transport and buildings related to education, healthcare, and public administration.

Austria
Since October 2017, a ban on face coverings in public places and buildings has been in force.

Bulgaria
In 2016, a law banned full face coverings in public places, including public institutions and schools, with financial penalties.