Violations of the new law will incur hefty fines and up to three years in jail, with rights groups raising major concerns over the targeting of Muslim women.
A new law in Portugal banning face coverings in public spaces, believed to particularly target Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa, has sparked controversy and concerns from human rights groups.
The law, which was approved by parliament in July, came into effect after President Antonio Jose Seguro signed it earlier this month.
Local media in Portugal has dubbed the ban on face coverings as the ‘burqa law,’ as the bill originated with the right-wing Chega party.
A statement issued by the President’s office said: “The face must be considered a central element of human identity and communication”.
While the president noted that the issue was one of “great social and cultural sensitivity,” the decision has raised questions over how it will affect Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa, also known as niqab.
Here, The New Arab breaks down what the law says, and what it means for Muslim women.
What does the law state?
The law states that wearing any form of clothing which conceals or obstructs the face is prohibited.
Any violations of the law will incur fines of between150 Euros (£128) and 750 Euros (£641) if it is determined to be a case of negligence.
In cases where intent is proven, fines can range from 400 Euros (£342 GBP) to 3,000 Euros (£2,566).
Anyone found to be coercing another to cover their face on the grounds of religion, gender, origin or race can be jailed for up to three years.
The law clarifies that exemptions will be made for healthcare professionals and artistic, entertainment and advertisement reasons, and does not apply for places of worship, aircraft, diplomatic or consular premises.
How did it come about?
The law banning face coverings dates to October 2025, when parliament approved a first version of a draft bill that was pushed by the far-right Chega party.
The party, which has become a major political force, describes itself as a nationalist party with some of its members disparaging the Roma ethnic group and its founder, Andre Ventura, being accused of Islamophobia after he called for “the drastic reduction of the Islamic presence in the European Union”.
The party cited women’s rights and security concerns, noting it was for the “dignity and respect for women that should guide any state governed by the rule of law”.
Despite backlash from rights groups at the time, the bill on banning face coverings was passed on 17 July, with a two thirds majority in the Portuguese parliament.
Why is it controversial?
Activists and human rights commentators believe the law will unfairly target Muslim women and restrict freedom of expression.
Last month, Amnesty International issued a statement condemning the law.
“This new law is discriminatory and is a threat to human rights. Despite having removed direct references to Islam, which were a part of previous versions of the text, this new law clearly violates the human rights of Muslim women who choose to cover their faces,” the executive director of Amnesty’s Portugal branch, Joao Godinho Martins, said.
Martins said the law was a “direct threat to their freedom of expression and freedom of religion,” and said that even though women’s rights were being cited as a justification for the law, the ban will likely have the opposite effect by excluding women who wear the burqa from public life and accessing education, employment and public services.
“The law also has implications for the right to privacy and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as it specifically prohibits the concealment of one’s face during demonstrations. This directly contradicts international law, which permits their use to ensure the possibility of participating anonymously and to prevent reprisals,” Martins continued.
Rights groups have called for the law to be reversed while some have noted a rising hostility towards Muslims in Portugal.
Which other countries have face covering bans?
The development comes after several countries in Europe have also adopted similar bans, while activists have raised concerns over polarisation in societies and noting it could pave the way for increased surveillance, unnecessary fines and conflict between communities.
France was one of the first countries to enact a full-face covering law in 2011, also arguing that face coverings prevent people from being identified and designating it as a potential security risk. Belgium also adopted a similar law in 2011, with anyone violating the law facing fines or up to seven days in prison.
Denmark, Austria and Bulgaria, too, have adopted laws against face coverings, restricting face-veils to places of worship and the homes.
Last year, Austria’s parliament approved a law banning the hijab for girls under the age of 14 in schools.
Some parts of Germany have bans in schools and public spaces on face-coverings, while Luxembourg bans them on public transport, schools and other common areas.
