Immigration measures tied to Ebola outbreak could suspend more than 24,000 travel documents

The federal immigration department says more than 24,000 immigration and travel documents could be suspended under new emergency measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola into Canada.

The federal government announced a 90-day suspension on several immigration-related documents for individuals currently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. The measures took effect shortly before midnight, according to federal officials.

Affected documents include electronic travel authorizations, temporary resident visas and permanent resident visas for applicants currently located in the three listed countries. Immigration officials said applications will not be cancelled, but decisions on them will be paused during the suspension period.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, processing will continue for Canadian passports, permanent resident cards and permanent resident travel documents. Visa extension requests from people already inside Canada will also continue to be processed normally.

The federal government has also introduced mandatory 21-day quarantine requirements for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected regions. Officials say the quarantine order is currently scheduled to remain in place until Aug. 29.

The measures fall under the federal government's authority over border control and public health response. Ottawa has not said whether the restrictions could be extended beyond the initial 90-day period.