Ban on headscarves takes effect in schools across Russia's region in Western Siberia

Hundreds of schools in one of Russia’s autonomous regions in Western Siberia have banned the wearing of all head coverings.

The decision was announced on October 3 by the Department of Education of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, a federal subject within the Tyumen region, according to Russian media.

The new regulation applies to all head coverings, including religious garments such as hijabs and niqabs.

According to the department’s statement, schools adopt such measures independently, taking into account the opinions of parent councils and the wider community. The official documents clarify that head coverings are not considered exclusively religious attributes, and that students are prohibited from wearing any accessories on their heads — including scarves, tubeteikas (traditional caps in Central Asian/Turkic cultures), or hats.

“Before enrolling, parents are familiarized with all regulations, including appearance requirements, and confirm with their signature. Those who disagree may choose alternative forms of education, such as homeschooling,” the department explained, adding that the local acts will remain in force throughout the academic year.

The decision has reignited a broader debate in Moscow. Lawmaker Sergey Obukhov stated that a draft bill prohibiting clothing that conceals the face is currently under review. He clarified that the initial version of the legislation “did not specifically mention niqabs, but targeted any clothing covering the face, with exceptions for carnivals and sportswear. We will soon refine the legal aspects of this initiative,” Obukhov noted.

He further pointed out that several Central Asian nations, including Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, have already banned niqabs in public spaces. “They have outlawed it, while here it remains permitted. That means all niqab supporters now have the option to move to Russia,” he remarked.

Home to roughly 1.6 to 1.7 million people, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has a diverse population composed of ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars, and indigenous peoples such as the Khanty and Mansi, who give the region its name but now make up only a small minority.

By Nazrin Sadigova