A summer trip back to Kinshasa was an anticipated reunion for Jonathan Likongo, who had been away from his family for two years while studying in Montreal at Université de Montréal. However, due to concerns about potential travel restrictions, Likongo chose to remain in Canada. This decision proved to be wise as in response to the Ebola outbreak in central Africa, Canada implemented temporary measures limiting entry for specific foreign nationals. Additionally, foreign nationals who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo within the previous 21 days were also denied entry into Canada.
These restrictions, currently in effect until August 29, have presented challenges for students, especially those who had holiday travel plans disrupted. Numerous students from countries affected by the measures, including the D.R.C., Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda, attending various universities in Quebec have been impacted. Université de Montréal, Université Laval, and Université du Québec à Montréal are among the institutions supporting affected students by offering options such as deferring admission or starting classes remotely.
As the August deadline approaches, students stranded outside Canada are left wondering about the future. Health Canada is closely monitoring the Ebola situation and collaborating with international partners to assess the necessity of continuing the existing measures. Likongo, like many others, is hopeful for a resolution soon, longing to reunite with his family in Kinshasa after missing out on this summer’s opportunity.