Kazakhstan bans face-concealing clothing But there are exceptions

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law prohibiting the wearing of niqab, a religious garment that leaves only the eyes visible and obstructs facial recognition.

According to the presidential administration, the legislation is aimed at enhancing public safety and identification in public spaces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media. 

“Exceptions are preserved for cases provided by law, the performance of official duties, medical purposes, weather conditions, and other instances,” the article states.

On June 25, Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (Parliament), the lower house of parliament, approved amendments to the law “On the Prevention of Offenses,” introducing a new provision that prohibits wearing clothing that obscures the face in public places. While the regulation applies broadly, the most contentious element is its effective ban on 

By Khagan Isayev