A summer trip back to Kinshasa was anticipated by Jonathan Likongo as an opportunity to reunite with his family after two years in Montreal. However, the Université de Montréal student opted to remain in Canada out of caution, concerned that leaving might hinder his return. This decision proved wise as Canada implemented temporary measures in May, restricting entry for specific foreign nationals from several central African countries due to the Ebola outbreak. Subsequently, in July, Canada announced a further restriction, denying entry to foreign nationals who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) within the last 21 days. These measures are scheduled to remain in effect until Aug. 29.
Likongo, a member of the Congolese Students’ Association at Université de Montréal, highlighted the challenging timing of these restrictions, especially impacting students planning travel during the summer break. Universities in Quebec have acknowledged that hundreds of students may be affected by these measures, both those already enrolled and those intending to commence studies in the upcoming fall semester.
At Université de Montréal, 170 students from the D.R.C. or Sudan have been accepted for the fall term, with an additional 182 students from these countries already enrolled. Similarly, Université Laval enrolls 240 students from the D.R.C., South Sudan, and Uganda, including 72 new students and 168 continuing students. Université du Québec à Montréal estimates around 100 students are facing implications.
The universities are collaborating with students to navigate the situation, offering options such as adjusting registrations, deferring admission, remote learning, or delayed program start dates. As the Aug. 29 deadline approaches, students stranded outside Canada are left wondering about the future beyond the current measures.
Health Canada, in a statement to CBC, assured ongoing monitoring of the Ebola outbreak and continuous review of measures based on the latest evidence and international collaborations. The government intends to announce next steps before the expiration of the existing restrictions.
For Likongo and others in similar situations, the uncertainty has meant missing out on significant family reunions. Expressing hope for a swift resolution and the containment of the disease, he longs for the day when families can reunite without barriers.