The Education Ministry has reversed its ban on teachers wearing the niqab while teaching in public schools. The change in policy comes while strong criticism has been directed at the government for its previous stance.
Teaching while wearing the niqab was earlier banned under a rule formulated by the Education Ministry. Although teachers were allowed to attend school wearing the niqab, they were required to remove it while teaching in the classroom.
The Education Ministry on Tuesday announced an amendment to the rule such that it is no longer mandatory for teachers to remove their face covering while teaching. However, the staff card issued to the teacher must be worn.
The amendment however maintains that teachers who wear niqab are still required to uncover their face covering in the classroom if they teach children under the age of ten.
Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali
