Portugal enforces ban on face coverings in public places
President António José Seguro signed legislation on Wednesday banning face coverings in public spaces, a move widely seen as targeting women who wear the burqa or niqab.
Source: Astro Awani · August 19, 2026 at 1:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 19 AUGUST 2026 —
Portugal bans face coverings in public spaces LISBON, Aug 19 — Portugal’s President António José Seguro on Wednesday signed legislation banning face coverings in public spaces, a move widely seen as targeting women who wear the burqa or niqab.
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The law, which local media dubbed the “burqa law,” was passed by parliament in July with support from the ruling right-wing coalition and far-right parties, while left-leaning parties opposed it. The new provisions prohibit clothing designed to conceal the face or hinder identification in public, as well as forcing individuals to cover their faces based on gender, religion, age or origin.
Human rights groups have argued the law may infringe on women’s freedom to choose their attire and religious freedoms. Seguro acknowledged the issue’s high social and cultural sensitivity in Portuguese society.
Violators face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000 (about RM760 to RM15,200). Exemptions apply for health, work, artistic, weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic premises and aircraft.
The law takes effect immediately, though enforcement details remain unclear. Critics warn it could disproportionately affect Muslim women, while supporters argue it upholds national identity and security standards.