A summer trip back to Kinshasa was anticipated by Jonathan Likongo as an opportunity to reunite with his family following a two-year stint living and studying in Montreal. However, the Université de Montréal student opted to stay in Canada out of concern that leaving might hinder his return. This decision, he later realized, was the right one. In response to the Ebola outbreak, Canada implemented temporary measures in May, restricting entry for specific foreign nationals from various central African countries. Subsequently, in July, Canada went further by announcing that foreign nationals who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) within the previous 21 days would be denied entry. These restrictions are scheduled to be in effect until Aug. 29.
Likongo, a member of the Congolese Students’ Association at Université de Montréal, expressed the challenges faced by students who had planned to travel during the summer break. The timing of the restrictions coincided with the holiday period, catching many off guard.
Several universities in Quebec reported that numerous students could be impacted by these measures, including those already enrolled in programs and those scheduled to start their studies in the upcoming fall semester. Université de Montréal disclosed that 170 students from the D.R.C. or Sudan have been admitted for the fall term, with an additional 182 students from these countries already enrolled in programs. Similarly, Université Laval stated that they have 240 students from the D.R.C., South Sudan, and Uganda, consisting of both new and continuing students. Université du Québec à Montréal noted that around 100 students are affected by the restrictions.
The universities are collaborating with students to navigate through the challenges posed by the situation. At Université de Montréal, undergraduate students have until Aug. 29 to make changes to their registration, while graduate students have the flexibility to commence their programs at a later date, within a year. Université Laval is offering individual assessments for students, providing options such as deferring admission, remote learning, or delayed arrival for the semester. Université du Québec à Montréal is also evaluating solutions on a case-by-case basis.
For students currently stranded outside Canada, the primary concern is the course of action post Aug. 29. Health Canada, in a statement to CBC, mentioned that they are closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak and continuously reviewing the measures in collaboration with international partners. The government will decide on the next steps before the potential expiration of the existing measures.
Likongo expressed his disappointment at missing the opportunity to reunite with his family due to the uncertain circumstances. He remains hopeful for a resolution in the near future, wishing for the containment of the disease so that families can be reunited without hindrances.
