The Parliament of the Balearic Islands has approved a legislative proposal seeking to prohibit the wearing of the burqa and niqab in public spaces, following an agreement between the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox. The initiative, approved on 10 November 2026, will now be forwarded to Spain's Congress of Deputies for consideration. However, the regional vote does not introduce an immediate ban in Ibiza or the other Balearic Islands, as the proposed changes require approval at national level.

PP and Vox secure approval in the Balearic Parliament

The proposal was promoted by Vox and received the support of the PP, whose votes secured its approval in the regional Parliament.

The initiative seeks to introduce a general prohibition on wearing the burqa and niqab in public spaces. It also proposes amendments to several national laws, including Spain's Criminal Code, the Organic Law on Citizen Security and legislation governing the rights and freedoms of foreign nationals.

Vox spokesperson Manuela Cañadas defended the proposal, describing the full-face veil as a form of oppression and arguing that the measure was necessary to protect women's dignity, equality and public safety.

The PP's Cristina Gil also supported the initiative, arguing that religious freedom should not prevent the regulation of practices that the party considers incompatible with women's equality and identification in public spaces.

What would the proposed ban cover?

The proposal specifically targets the burqa and niqab, garments that cover the face.

The burqa covers the body and face, generally leaving a mesh panel through which the wearer can see. The niqab covers the face while leaving the eyes visible.

The proposed legislation does not seek to prohibit the hijab, which covers the hair and neck while leaving the face uncovered. This distinction was an important part of the political debate and helped secure the PP's support.

If approved nationally, the proposed prohibition would apply in public spaces and certain private places with a public use or function.

Fines and proposed criminal penalties

The initiative includes several proposed legal consequences.

Under the proposed changes to Spain's Citizen Security Law, the use of the burqa or niqab in public spaces would constitute an offence. Repeated violations would be treated more seriously, with the proposal providing for fines that could reach €30,000 in specified circumstances. It also addresses the imposition of these garments on minors by parents or legal guardians.

The proposal would also amend the Criminal Code to introduce prison sentences for anyone who forces another person to wear the garments through violence, intimidation or coercion.

The proposed sentence would range from one year and six months to three years. Where the victim is particularly vulnerable because of illness, disability or being under 18, the proposed maximum would rise to four years.

Further amendments to immigration legislation could allow the expulsion of foreign nationals in certain qualifying cases, subject to the relevant administrative procedure and a reasoned decision.

These are provisions contained in the proposed legislation. They are not penalties currently applicable as a result of the Balearic Parliament's vote.

Opposition parties challenge the initiative

The proposal faced opposition from several political groups, including the PSIB, Unidas Podemos and MÉS.

PSIB deputy Teresa Suárez argued that existing Spanish legislation already provides protection for women who are forced to wear religious clothing. She criticised the proposal for focusing specifically on Islamic garments rather than addressing face concealment more generally, including items such as helmets and balaclavas.

She also warned that the initiative could stigmatise a particular religious community instead of addressing coercion and discrimination through existing protections.

Unidas Podemos deputy José María García rejected the proposal, describing it as anti-Muslim immigration policy and arguing that it could penalise women who choose to cover their faces.

MÉS representatives also criticised the initiative. They argued that imposing fines or immigration consequences on women wearing the garments could punish those the legislation claims to protect, particularly where coercion is involved.

The debate therefore centred on differing interpretations of women's rights, religious freedom, public safety and the potential consequences for Muslim women.

Why the proposal must go to Spain's Congress

The Balearic Parliament's approval does not mean that the burqa and niqab are now prohibited in the islands.

The proposal seeks changes to national legislation, including areas such as criminal law, public security and immigration, which fall within the responsibilities of Spain's central institutions.

It must therefore be considered by the Congress of Deputies before it can become national law. The regional Parliament's vote is a step in the legislative process, not the final approval of an enforceable nationwide prohibition.

A closely related proposal had already been rejected by Congress in February 2026. The new initiative will be considered by the next national Parliament following the general election scheduled for 29 November 2026.

Its eventual approval remains uncertain.

What this means for Ibiza

For residents and visitors in Ibiza, there is no immediate change to the law following the regional vote on 10 November.

The proposal would affect the Balearic Islands as part of a wider national legislative change if it is ultimately approved by Congress and enters into force.

Until that happens, the burqa and niqab proposal remains under consideration at national level. The next significant development will be the decision of Spain's newly elected Congress on whether to take the initiative forward.