New laws have come into effect in the Netherlands that will ban the use of face covering clothing such as the burqa or niqab, in public.
Under the new laws which have been subject to debate in recent months, Muslim women are not allowed to wear clothing that intentionality covers their face in buildings, educational facilities, public transport and hospitals.
Although there has been questions whether or not the ban will work given that police will most likely not enforce the new laws, it is reported that ban will affect between 100 and 400 Muslim women living in the country.
It is believed that the new laws will also prohibit the use of full-face helmets or balaclavas.
Meanwhile the laws will also give police the power to force people to remove face covering clothing in public and fine offenders if they refuse to do so.
People who refuse to remove the clothing will face fines of €150 and can be refused entry into public buildings.