Dutch senators have overwhelmingly approved a bill to ban the burqa from some public places including schools and hospitals.

“The Senate has agreed with the bill,” the upper house of parliament said. “The bill proposes a legal ban on wearing clothing that completely covers the face, or only shows the eyes, in educational institutions, on public transport, in government institutions and hospitals.”

The bill was approved by 44 to 31 votes in the 75-seat chamber and is the final hurdle before it becomes law.

It was supported by three of the four political parties in the ruling coalition, apart from the progressive D66 party, which voted against.

The internal affairs minister and D66 member, Kajsa Ollongren, will now talk to government bodies such the police about how to implement the ban, which carries a fine of about €400 (£352).

The Dutch cabinet approved the plan in 2015 but decided not to go as far as banning burqas on the streets.

Dutch approval follows similar bans imposed in Austria, Belgium, France and Germany and comes amid rising tension in Europe with the Muslim population.

France was the first European country to ban the full-face veil in public spaces in April 2011.

The European court of human rights upheld that burqa ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom.

The law has resulted in approximately 1,600 arrests and violations can result in fines of up to €150.