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The Australian government canceled Novak Djokovic’s visa for the second time just three days before the start of the 2022 Australian Open, putting him at risk of deportation.
At just before 7 a.m. UK time, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke issued a statement explaining that his decision to cancel the men’s world number one’s visa was made “in the public interest.”
Djokovic, who has won the Melbourne Grand Slam three times in a row and nine times overall, has the option of appealing the decision to the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
The 34-year-old was included in Thursday’s first-round draw while awaiting word on whether he will be allowed to stay in the nation, and was set to begin his quest for a 21st Grand Slam championship against unseeded Serb Miomir Kecmanovic.
“Today, I used my jurisdiction under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to terminate Mr Novak Djokovic’s visa on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” Hawke stated.
“On January 10, 2022, the Federal Circuit and Family Court issued decisions quashing a prior cancellation decision based on procedural fairness grounds.
“I carefully weighed facts presented to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force, and Mr Djokovic in making my determination.”
“The Morrison government is dedicated to safeguarding Australia’s borders, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“I appreciate the personnel of the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force who work tirelessly every day to protect Australia’s interests in ever-difficult operational conditions.”
He arrived in Melbourne on January 5 after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination exemption from Tennis Australia and the Victoria State government, but he was halted by the Australian Border Force and his visa was denied upon entrance.
The Serb was held in an immigration detention hostel for four nights before the ruling was overturned by a court.
Djokovic recently stated that attending an interview and photoshoot with a French publication after testing positive for COVID-19 last month was a “mistake,” as well as blaming his agent for the incorrect declaration on his travel form, which he described as “human error” and “not deliberate.”
Vincent Paul
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