A journey back to Kinshasa this summer was anticipated as a reunion opportunity for Jonathan Likongo with his family after a two-year stint in Montreal for studies. However, opting to remain in Canada, the Université de Montréal student made a cautious decision fearing potential travel restrictions that could impede his return.
His choice was validated when Canada implemented temporary regulations in May, restricting entry for specific foreign nationals from various central African countries due to the Ebola outbreak. Subsequently, in July, a more stringent measure was introduced, denying entry to foreign nationals who had visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.) within the previous 21 days. These restrictions are slated to be in effect until August 29.
The timing of these measures has presented challenges for students, especially during the summer break, catching many off guard. Members of the Congolese Students’ Association at Université de Montréal, like Likongo, expressed the difficulty faced by those who had travel plans disrupted.
Numerous students across Quebec are impacted by these regulations, affecting both current enrollees and prospective students scheduled to commence studies in the upcoming fall semester. Université de Montréal disclosed that 170 students from the D.R.C. or Sudan are admitted for the fall term, with an additional 182 individuals from these countries already enrolled in programs. Similarly, Université Laval and Université du Québec à Montréal reported significant numbers of affected students.
The universities are collaborating with students to navigate through the uncertainties, offering various solutions tailored to individual circumstances. Options include registration adjustments, program deferrals, remote learning opportunities, and flexible semester start dates.
As the deadline of August 29 looms, students stranded outside of Canada are anxious about the future course of action. Depending on the extension or expiration of the federal measures, students may need to rely on contingency plans proposed by their respective universities or await clarity on entry regulations for timely arrival before the fall semester commences.
For Likongo and others in a similar predicament, missing out on crucial family reunions due to the prevailing circumstances has been distressing. They remain hopeful for a swift resolution and the containment of the disease, eagerly anticipating a reunion with their loved ones in the near future.