Novak Djokovic
Immigration Minister revokes his Australian visa
Novak Djokovic training in Melbourne.
© MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images
Now an expulsion could happen very quickly: The Australian Immigration Minister has revoked Novak Djokovic’s visa.
The decision is made: Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke (44) has the visa of Serbian tennis pro Novak Djokovic (34) declared invalid. According to media reports, an expulsion is currently being prepared. The number one in the world therefore has to leave the country and can therefore not take part in the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. Only a successful appeal could avert this last-minute decision.
As the newspaper “The Age” reports, Djokovic’s lawyers are already working on an injunction against the decision. Should this fail, however, the sports star would be immediately expelled from the country and possibly even detained pending deportation. The minister’s statement said he was using his power to revoke the visa “for reasons of health and good order”.
Hawke said he carefully reviewed the information provided by immigration and Mr Djokovic. The Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Particularly explosive: If Djokovic is expelled, he should not set foot on Australian soil for three years. However, this penalty could be suspended.
Why is Novak Djokovic not allowed to go to Australia?
Since Djokovic’s arrival on January 5th, events have come and gone. First, the athlete was taken to a deportation hotel because his visa was not accepted by border guards. However, a court overturned the decision five days later. Bone of contention: Djokovic is not vaccinated against Covid-19, which only allows entry under special circumstances.
The athlete said he was exempt from Australia’s vaccination requirements on arrival because he tested positive on December 16 and tested negative again on December 22. However, pictures show that he continued to show up at events during this phase, mostly without a mask. He also stated on the immigration form that he had not traveled 14 days before his flight to Australia, which has been shown to be untrue.