Dutch lawmakers have banned on wearing face-covering Islamic veils in some public places, including schools, hospitals and on public transport. Burqa is banned in education and healthcare institutions, government buildings and on public transport.

The rule will outlaw all face coverings including ski-masks and helmets and will not apply to public streets. It was one of the main demands of the anti-Islam opposition Freedom Party, which is leading in polls ahead of elections in March.

Between 100 and 500 women in the Netherlands wear the burqa, most of them only occasionally.

Those flouting the ban can be fined up to 405 euros (£343). The burqa banning law will be sent to the highest court in the Netherlands, the Council of State, for its opinion. That opinion and the bill’s text will be made public when parliament begins debating the law at a date yet to be decided.

Several European countries have introduced burqa bans despite accusations of restricting religious expression. France banned Burqa in 2010, and women violating the law can be fined up to 150 euros (£127). Belgium and Switzerland also have followed France’s burqa law in some parts of their country.