Australia cancelled Novak Djokovic’s visa for a second time on Friday (14 January) saying the world tennis number one who has not been vaccinated for COVID-19 may pose a health risk, effectively ending his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used discretionary powers to again cancel Djokovic’s visa, after a court quashed an earlier revocation and released him from immigration detention on Monday. It was not clear if he would be returned to detention.
“Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” Hawke said in a statement.
Under the section of the Migration Act used to cancel the visa, Djokovic would not be able to secure a visa to Australia for three years, except in compelling circumstances that affect Australia’s interest.
The decision to again cancel his visa over COVID-19 entry regulations raises the prospect of a possible second court battle by the Serbian tennis star to be allowed to stay and play in the Open starting Monday.
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An Australian court has ordered the detention of tennis star Novak Djokovic after authorities revoked his tourist visa for a second time in a row over his vaccination status. Media reports say the athlete will attend an interview with Australian immigration officials on Saturday morning after which he will be arrested and sent to an immigration detention facility used for refugees.
ReplyDeleteThe Serbian athlete initially faced deportation, but local authorities agreed to postpone it. The 34-year-old also faces a three-year ban on obtaining a new visa.
His lawyers said they would lodge an appeal at a late-night court hearing and described the decision to revoke the athlete's visa as "patently irrational". They also voiced concerns about Djokovic's safety if the location of his detention facility becomes known to the public.