Is not wearing the niqab considered haram, and does it make a woman who does not wear it سافرة (unveiled/exposed)?

Scholars have differed on the permissibility of a woman uncovering her face in front of non-mahram men when there is no fear of temptation. However, the fatwa issued by us is that covering it is obligatory, and uncovering the face is considered safūr (unveiling).