Australian Government Reveals Why Novak Djokovic's Visa Was Cancelled

Australia's Health Minister has revealed why Novak Djokovic's visa was cancelled by Australian Border Force officials.

The Serbian tennis player arrived into Melbourne just before midnight last night (January 5) and he was detained by authorities to explain himself.

He was permitted to come Down Under to play in the Australian Open later this month and was granted a medical exemption.

It caused an almighty uproar about why he was permitted to come to the country despite there being very specific rules around Covid-19 vaccinations.

Novak was asked to provide all the evidence that supported his exemption, however it's clear it didn't meet the requirements needed for him to enter.

Prime Minster Scott Morrison tweeted this morning (January 6): "Mr Djokovic's visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules.

"Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from Covid, we are continuing to be vigilant."

Health Minister Greg Hunt was asked why the visa got cancelled during an appearance on Channel 7's Sunrise programme.

"Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to enter Australia and the visa has been subsequently cancelled," the federal MP revealed.

"It's up to him whether he wishes to appeal that, but if a visa is cancelled, leave the country.

"Yes, it is tough but it is fair and one rule for all under this Australian Government."

The Australian Prime Minister warned that Novak would be put on the 'next' plane out of the country if he couldn't sufficiently prove he was medically exempt from being vaccinated against the coronavirus.

It's unclear whether Djokovic's team will appeal the decision and whether they will be permitted to do that while the world number one tennis star is in Australia or if he has to do that somewhere else.

Djokovic's dad was absolutely furious that his son was detained for hours at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and questioned about his exemption.

Srdan Djokovic told local Serbian radio station B92: "I have no idea what's going on, they're holding my son captive for five hours.

"This is a fight for the libertarian world, this is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world!

"If they don't let him go in half an hour, we will gather on the street, this is a fight for everyone."

Australian Border Force has released a statement explaining why he was detained.

"The Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements," the ABF said.

"The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.

"Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.

"The ABF can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Australia, Australia