ASTANA – Kazakhstan has officially implemented a ban on wearing the niqab or any face-covering garments in public spaces, following a new bill signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The legislation prohibits clothing that obstructs facial identification in public, citing security and social integration concerns. The move places Kazakhstan among several Central Asian nations that have taken similar steps.
Earlier, Tajikistan — a Muslim-majority country — officially banned the hijab in 2024, while Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan had already enforced comparable restrictions.
Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation where Islam is the dominant faith, though a sizable portion of the population adheres to Russian Orthodox Christianity. Other religious communities, including Jewish, Buddhist, and Catholic groups, also have a presence.
Despite the recent ban, Kazakhstan is recognized for its tradition of religious tolerance. The country protects religious freedom through its constitution and regularly hosts interfaith dialogues, maintaining a cultural landscape that includes mosques, churches, and temples. However, authorities continue to regulate religious practices through specific legal frameworks.
