Vienna: Muslim women in Austria were forced by police to remove their facial coverings on Monday, as an anti-burqa law came into effect.

The so-called "burqa ban" prohibits facial coverings, including niqabs and burqas, and also places restrictions on surgical masks, ski masks and clown make-up worn in public.

Wearing a burqa or other full-face covering such as a ski mask in public can attract a $225 fine in Austria. Credit:AP

On Sunday, a woman wearing a niqab facial veil, which only leaves the eyes uncovered, was seen being told to remove her veil by two police officers in Zell am See, a town south of Saltzburg.

Those who defy the ban could face a fine of €150 euros ($225).