Jonathan Likongo, a student at Université de Montréal, had planned a summer trip back to Kinshasa to reunite with his family after two years in Montreal but decided to stay in Canada due to concerns about potential travel restrictions. Likongo explained, “I was supposed to leave, but out of caution, I didn’t.” His decision proved to be wise as Canada implemented temporary measures in May and further restrictions in July, including denying entry to foreign nationals who had recently been to the Democratic Republic of Congo within 21 days. These measures are scheduled to be in place until Aug. 29.
The timing of the restrictions has been challenging for students like Likongo, who had intended to travel during the summer break. He expressed, “The illness arrived right in the middle of the holiday period. Some people didn’t anticipate these restrictions.”
Impact on Students
Several universities in Quebec anticipate that hundreds of students may be affected by these measures, with some already enrolled in programs and others planning to begin studies in the upcoming fall semester. Université de Montréal disclosed that 170 students from the D.R.C. or Sudan have been accepted for the fall term, while 182 individuals from these countries were already enrolled in programs earlier.
Similarly, Université Laval and Université du Québec à Montréal are also grappling with the situation, with 240 and approximately 100 affected students, respectively. Different universities are working with students to navigate through the constraints and explore various options.
Future Uncertainty
For students stranded outside of Canada, the looming question is what will happen post Aug. 29. Health Canada has indicated that it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak and will assess the situation before the expiration of the existing measures.
Despite the challenges, Likongo remains hopeful for a resolution soon, expressing his desire for the disease to end so that families can reunite. He lamented missing the opportunity to see his family this summer in Kinshasa, emphasizing the emotional toll on his parents as well.