A summer trip back to Kinshasa was anticipated by Jonathan Likongo to reunite with his family after two years in Montreal. However, the Université de Montréal student chose to stay in Canada due to concerns over potential travel complications. Canada implemented temporary entry restrictions for certain foreign nationals from central African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.), to address the Ebola outbreak. Likongo, a member of the Congolese Students’ Association at Université de Montréal, highlighted the challenges faced by students during the holiday period due to these unforeseen restrictions.
The measures have impacted numerous students across Quebec, with Université de Montréal reporting 170 students from the D.R.C. or Sudan admitted for the fall semester and 182 existing students from these countries. Similarly, Université Laval and Université du Québec à Montréal have also seen a significant number of affected students. These universities are assisting students in navigating the situation, offering options such as changing registrations, deferring admission, or starting classes remotely.
With the current measures set to expire on August 29, students stranded outside Canada are eager to know what the future holds. Health Canada stated that it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak and will decide on further steps based on the evolving situation and international collaboration. Likongo expressed disappointment over missing the opportunity to be with his family and remains hopeful for a resolution soon to reunite with loved ones in Kinshasa.