Wearing the burqa is officially banned in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh government says face-covering veils make it harder for law enforcement to identify individuals, endangering public safety. Once the law comes into effect, full-face coverings will not be worn in public.

However, there are exceptions for people with special medical needs or exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather conditions. There are also exceptions for civil defense and cultural events.

In March 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the niqab as an outdated garment imposed on Kazakh women by radical figures. In a statement at the time, he said the niqab contradicted the country's traditional values ​​​​and national identity.

"Instead of wearing black robes that cover the face, it is much better to wear national-style clothes. Our national costumes vividly emphasize our ethnic identity, so we need to popularize them comprehensively," Tokayev said.

Two years ago, the Kazakhstan government banned headscarves in schools on the grounds that they contravened school uniform rules.