Want to improve recruitment possibilities among Muslims

Several other European countries have already allowed the wearing of religious headgear by their police officers (Picture courtesy of Danish TV2)

OSLO (AlArabiya.net, AFP)

The Norwegian government announced Wednesday that it will allow Muslim women police officers if they choose to wear the Islamic head scarf.

"After advice from police management, it has been decided that rules on police uniforms will be modified to allow for the wearing of a religious scarf with the uniform," the justice ministry said in a statement.

Previously it was not allowed for Muslim police women to wear the veil because of rules banning the display of any sort of political or religious affiliation.

The Islamic scarf, the hijab, is worn to cover the hair and surround the face.

After months of debate, the police management said it was in favor of permitting the scarf to be worn with the uniform in order to improve the possibility of recruiting in Norway's Muslim community.

"We think it's necessary to recruit widely and to develop a police force which reflects all classes in society, regardless of beliefs and ethnicity, which is more important than demanding a neutral uniform," wrote police chief Ingelin Killengreen.

Several other European countries, including Sweden and Britain, have already allowed the wearing of religious headgear by their police officers.