Kazakhstan has now enacted a law prohibiting public wearing of clothing that obscures one's face. This move positions the Central Asian nation as the latest in the region to impose such restrictions.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the legislation. It specifically targets face-covering garments often worn by some Muslim women, including the niqab and burqa, according to Kursiv.media.

The new law, an amendment to crime prevention legislation, avoids directly naming religious attire. Instead, it broadly bans any garments that "impede facial recognition" in public areas.

However, there are exceptions. These include legal obligations, official duties, medical requirements, civil defense, extreme weather conditions, and participation in sports or cultural event.

This decision follows a regional trend. Kyrgyzstan banned the niqab in public spaces in January 2025, citing national security. Uzbekistan also implemented a burqa ban in 2023 for public order.

The growing restriction on face-covering garments fuels debates over religious freedom, cultural identity, and security across Central Asia. Supporters emphasize transparency, while critics fear marginalization.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/06/30/kazakhstan-becomes-latest-country-ban-face-covering-garments-public