Jonathan Likongo had plans to visit his family in Kinshasa this summer after two years in Montreal but decided to stay in Canada due to concerns about potential travel restrictions. Likongo, a student at Université de Montréal, made the cautious choice not to leave, which later proved to be wise.
Canada implemented temporary entry restrictions in response to the Ebola outbreak, barring certain foreign nationals from central African countries. Subsequently, Canada announced that foreign nationals who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days would be denied entry. These measures are scheduled to be in place until Aug. 29.
Likongo, part of the Congolese Students’ Association at Université de Montréal, highlighted the challenges faced by students who had intended to travel during the summer break, caught off guard by the sudden restrictions.
Impact on Students
Several universities in Quebec estimate that hundreds of students are affected by these measures, including those already enrolled and those set to start studies in the fall. Université de Montréal reported 170 incoming students from the D.R.C. or Sudan and 182 current students from these countries. Similarly, Université Laval has 240 students from the D.R.C., South Sudan, and Uganda, while Université du Québec à Montréal mentions around 100 affected students.
In response, the universities are collaborating with students to navigate the situation. At Université de Montréal, undergraduate students have the option to modify their registration until Aug. 29, while graduate students can defer their program start for up to a year. Université Laval is evaluating individual student circumstances, offering alternatives like deferring admission, remote learning, or delayed semester starts. Université du Québec à Montréal is also working on tailored solutions.
Awaiting Future Developments
Students stranded outside Canada are left wondering about the post-Aug. 29 scenario. Health Canada stated that it is closely monitoring the Ebola situation and will review the measures in collaboration with international partners before the current deadline.
Likongo expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to reunite with his family this summer, hoping for a swift resolution and the containment of the disease for a chance to reconnect with loved ones soon.