Wearing a hijab at work or school in Belgium
Your rights and practical tips Wearing a hijab at work or school in Belgium
Your rights and practical tips

You wear your hijab with pride and want to continue doing so at work or school. But is it actually allowed in Belgium? What are your rights? And how do you choose a hijab that looks professional and stays comfortable from 9 to 5? In this article, we cover everything — from the legal framework to practical styling tips.

1 What does Belgian law say?

There is no general law in Belgium that prohibits wearing a hijab at work or at school. Religious practices are protected by freedom of religion, enshrined in the Belgian Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The 2007 Anti-Discrimination Act furthermore prohibits discrimination based on religious belief — including in the workplace.

However, the situation is nuanced. The rules differ depending on whether you work in the private sector, the public sector, or in education.

Private sector

A private employer may only prohibit religious symbols if there is a legitimate aim and the ban meets strict conditions. Think of safety (for example, in a factory), hygiene (in the food industry), or a deliberate neutrality policy that consistently applies to all religious and philosophical symbols. A ban targeting only the hijab constitutes discrimination.

Public sector

In the public sector, it depends on the institution. Some cities, like Mechelen, allow religious symbols for all positions. Others, like Antwerp, make a distinction: staff in direct contact with the public may not wear visible religious symbols. There is no uniform policy — it varies by municipality, province, and institution.

Education

Education is where the situation is most in flux. Flemish community education (GO!) has maintained a ban on religious symbols for students since 2013. Catholic schools decide individually. In December 2025, the Province of East Flanders approved a headscarf ban for both teachers and students in provincial schools, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. The Flemish Human Rights Institute ruled that this constitutes discrimination for teachers.

In Wallonia and Brussels, the rules are generally more flexible. There is no blanket ban in official education, although individual schools may have their own policies.

2 What if you face discrimination?

If you believe you are being discriminated against because of your hijab — during a job application, in the workplace, or at school — you are not alone. Here are the steps you can take:

• Document everything. Save emails, note conversations with dates and context, and ask for written confirmation of verbal decisions.
• Contact Unia (the Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities). They handle complaints about discrimination based on religion, including hijab-related workplace issues. It is free and confidential.
• In Flanders, you can also reach out to the Flemish Human Rights Institute, which has a Disputes Chamber that can issue formal rulings.
• Contact your union. If you are a member of ACV/CSC, ABVV/FGTB, or ACLVB/CGSLB, they can support you.
• Legal assistance. In serious cases, you can consult a lawyer, potentially through legal aid if you are eligible.

3 Practical tips: hijab at work

Even when your hijab is fully permitted, you want to look professional and polished. Here are tips that make a real difference:

Choose the right fabric for your work environment

• Office setting: A premium jersey hijab is ideal: it stays in place without pins, looks polished and stays comfortable during long working days.
• Formal setting: A satin plissé hijab offers an elegant, professional look without any ironing needed.
• Active jobs: Go for a stretchy jersey that stays put even when you are moving around a lot. Avoid slippery fabrics like chiffon — they slide too easily.

Colour advice for a professional look

• Neutral tones (black, navy, taupe, grey) always work in a professional setting.
• Match your outfit: A hijab in the same colour family as your clothing creates a cohesive, polished look.
• Avoid very bright colours in a conservative work environment — save those for the weekend.

Styling that lasts all day

• Use an undercap for extra grip and a smooth base.
• Choose anti-slip fabric — jersey hijabs excel at this.
• Do not wrap your hijab too tightly: comfort is crucial when you are sitting at your desk for 8 hours or moving around all day.
• Keep a spare hijab in your bag or desk drawer for emergencies.

4 Practical tips: hijab at school or during an internship

As a student or intern, you face extra challenges. Here are tips specifically for you:

• Check the school regulations before enrolling. Explicitly ask about the policy on religious symbols. This way, you avoid surprises.
• Know your rights during an internship. If the host company has a ban, discuss it with your internship coordinator first. There is often a solution available.
• Choose practical hijabs. At school, you need something that can take a beating: a jersey hijab that does not shift during gym class or lab work.
• Prepare for questions. Fellow students or colleagues are sometimes simply curious. A friendly, open answer works better than being defensive.
• Find a support network. There are online communities and student associations where you can share experiences.

5 Just starting to wear hijab?

The decision to start wearing hijab while you are already working or at school can feel daunting. A few tips:

• You do not need to announce it. You can simply show up with your hijab the next day. You are not legally required to notify anyone in advance, unless there is a specific dress code.
• Consider starting on the weekend. If you feel more comfortable, wear your hijab for a few days outside of work or school first to get used to the reactions.
• Start with a comfortable style. Choose a simple, soft hijab that makes you feel confident. You can experiment with styles and colours later.
• Be prepared, but not worried. Most reactions are neutral or positive. Focus on how you feel, not on what others expect.

6 Frequently asked questions

Can my employer fire me for wearing a hijab?

No, unless there is a demonstrable neutrality policy that consistently applies to all religious and philosophical symbols and meets the legal requirements. A dismissal based solely on wearing a hijab constitutes discrimination and is legally challengeable.

Can I wear a hijab in my ID photo for work or school?

Yes. On identity photos in Belgium, wearing a headscarf is permitted as long as your face is fully visible.

What if customers or colleagues feel uncomfortable?

Other people's discomfort is not a legal ground for banning the hijab. An employer may not comply with discriminatory preferences of customers or colleagues.

Are there sectors where a hijab truly is not allowed?

In sectors where safety or hygiene is demonstrably at stake (certain production lines, operating theatres, fire services), restrictions can be justified. But even then, reasonable adjustments should be considered — for example, a hijab that fits under a safety helmet.