Novak DjokovicHis participation in this year’s Australian Open is again in jeopardy…the authorities have canceled his visa for the second time and he is now at risk of deportation.
Australian Minister for Immigration Alex Hawk issued the ruling early Friday morning… revoking the 34-year-old’s visa just days after a judge cleared the tennis star for release into the country.
In announcing his decision, Hawke explained that removing Djokovic was in the best interest of “the public interest” … due to the athlete’s COVID-19 vaccination status and controversial claims of a vaccine exemption.
“In making this decision, I have carefully considered the information provided to me by the Home Office, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic,” Hawke said.
“The Morrison government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Djokovic has already started the appeal process – and it’s possible he could play the first round of the Australian Open on Monday while arguments unfold in court.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, meanwhile, backed Hawke’s decision on Friday… writing in a statement: ‘Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the outcome of those sacrifices to be protected. .”
“This is what the minister is doing by taking this step today.
If he is eventually expelled, Djokovic could be banned from the country for 3 years.
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