A Swiss region has now officially banned the burqa after a referendum in 2013 saw around 65 percent of voters back the controversial move. Ticino, and Italian-speaking state in Switzerland, will impose the rather hefty fine of up to $9,800 (10,000 francs) for those who violate the new law.
Around 40,000 visitors from the Middle East arrive in the Swiss region every year and the tourism market is said to be growing still. The new law will make no exception for tourists, meaning those arriving at airports and land borders will be informed by customs that covering the face is unlawful in Ticino.
Fines will range from $98 (100 francs) to $9800 (10,000 francs). However, despite the Swiss parliament declaring that the ban does not violate federal law, there is no certainty when the new rules will begin to be enforced.
Extra security measures were taken as a precaution during the parliamentary session on the ban, including the installation of a metal detection device to screen those entering the building.
In a better known situation, France became the center of controversy after banning the wearing of the burqa in public places in 2010. Despite uproar from human rights groups, the European Court of Human Rights upheld the ban in 2014.
