Covering faces in public banned in Kazakhstan since July 12 – police

Tengrinews.kz – Police have launched an awareness campaign on new legislative amendments prohibiting the wearing of face-covering clothing in public places in Kazakhstan. The new regulations came into force on July 12, citing Polisia.kz.

According to the police, the purpose of these changes is to enhance public safety, simplify personal identification, and maintain public order. It is emphasized that the new rules do not infringe upon citizens’ rights and freedoms, including freedom of religion.

District inspectors explained that the ban applies to clothing items that completely cover the face and make recognition difficult, such as masks and niqabs. However, hijabs, shaylas, khimars, al-amiras, and other clothing elements that do not cover the face are not subject to the restrictions.

Exceptions to the ban are provided for situations related to weather conditions, medical indications, law enforcement activities, official duties, as well as for participants in sports or cultural events and civil protection workers.

As part of their outreach, police also reminded citizens about crime prevention measures, particularly highlighting common internet fraud schemes that often target unsuspecting individuals.

It should be noted that the provision prohibiting face-covering clothing was included in the Law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Improving Law Enforcement Service, Housing and Social Protection of Law Enforcement, Special State Bodies, Civil Protection Bodies and Military Personnel, as well as Eliminating Excessive Legislative Regulation in the Field of Internal Affairs.”

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed this law on June 30.