A written statement by the Dutch Interior Ministry says people are banned from covering their faces in the education and health sector, public transport and government offices with no recognized textile material, masks or helmets.

The statement said workers in those places where the ban applies could ask women with niqab and burqa to open their faces, while the police could step in if they fail to comply.

Those who fail to comply with the veil and burqa ban will be fined at least 150 euros. The NIDA party, founded by Muslims, has announced it will undertake fines under the ban in the country.

The Dutch branch of Amnesty International also stated that women have the freedom to choose their clothing and declared their opposition to the ban.

The law, which was not recommended by the Dutch Council of State, had been passed in 2016. (ILKHA)