05/06/2026
In response to the Ebola disease outbreak overseas, this communiqué provides key information for employers and temporary foreign workers (workers) participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).
Government of Canada measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak
In response to the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and increasing risks in Uganda and South Sudan, the Government of Canada is introducing temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the virus entering and spreading within Canada.
Effective May 27, 2026 23:59 EDT, the Government of Canada has temporarily suspended the immigration documents of foreign nationals living in countries having high or very high risk of outbreak of Ebola disease, meaning they will not be able to travel to Canada. As a result, foreign nationals living in these countries, including those with previously approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations or permanent resident visas, are not permitted to travel to Canada while these documents are suspended. Processing of applications will continue; however, final decisions on applications from foreign nationals living in these countries will be temporarily paused.
In addition, effective May 30 at 23:59 pm EDT until August 29, 2026, under the Quarantine Act, all travellers, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals who have been in these affected areas within the previous 21 days will be required to quarantine for 21 days upon entering Canada. If they do not have a suitable place to quarantine, they will be provided with an appropriate place by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Travellers who exhibit symptoms of Ebola disease will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or other appropriate location that the quarantine officer determines to be suitable. They will remain in isolation for 21 days from their date of entry to Canada or from the onset of symptoms, whichever is later, and until they no longer present a public health risk. Until then, the traveller must follow all instructions provided by the quarantine officer.
While the risk to people in Canada remains low, the Government of Canada is taking a precautionary approach given the severity of Ebola disease and the evolving international situation.
The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust these measures as needed based on available evidence and evolving conditions internationally.
Employer responsibilities
As per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and under the Quarantine Act, employers must provide temporary foreign workers with wages during that quarantine period that are substantially the same as those set out in the offer of employment.
Furthermore, in the case where employers provide accommodations (i.e. housing), employers must ensure that foreign nationals under the TFW Program are provided with suitable accommodations for the purpose of complying with quarantine requirements, including accommodations that are separate from individuals not subject to quarantine and that allow for appropriate physical distancing. Employers must also ensure that workers have access to cleaning and disinfecting products.
Under current public health measures, if a foreign national is required to quarantine and does not have a suitable place to do so upon arrival to Canada, they will be provided with an appropriate place by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Employers and workers must follow all applicable guidelines issued by public health. In the event of an outbreak of any communicable diseases, employers must work with the appropriate provincial or territorial public health authority to:
establish clear protocols to mitigate disease spread
maintain transparent communication with workers and the public health authority.
In the event of symptoms
If a worker shows any symptoms of Ebola disease and has been to an area affected by Ebola disease in the last 21 days, they must:
immediately isolate themselves from others;
inform their employer as soon as possible; and
contact the local public health authority.
Individuals are advised not to visit a doctor or a hospital right away. Public health authorities will provide instructions and arrange for appropriate assessment.
Furthermore, all contributors, including foreign workers, are entitled to EI benefits, provided that they meet qualifying and entitlement conditions applicable to all insured workers in Canada.
Stay informed
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working closely with provincial, territorial and international partners to share information and monitor the situation in Canada and globally.
As the situation evolves, public health recommendations may change. Employers and workers should regularly check the website of the public health authority in their province or territory to obtain updates and information on the preventive measures in place.
For more information, please consult:
Ebola disease: Symptoms and treatment
Ebola disease: Temporary measures
Ebola disease: Travel health advice
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada
If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca. or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.
We encourage you to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners who may need to be aware of this information.
Thank you for your continued collaboration.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada
