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Novak Djokovic is scheduled to be deported from Australia after a judge denied his appeal against the government canceling his visa due to his refusal to get vaccinated.
Djokovic had challenged the cancellation of his visa by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, claiming he was a menace to public order because his presence would foster an anti-vaccination attitude during Australia’s worst virus epidemic. more
The Federal Court ruled on the lawfulness and legitimacy of the minister’s decision based on the three grounds of appeal Djokovic’s team filed.
When the administration will attempt to remove Djokovic was unclear.
- Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic’s Visa For The Second Time
- Djokovic Facing Deportation After Australia Cancels Visa
On Monday, the world’s best tennis player was held by immigration officials, released, and then detained again before a match. more
The Serbian champion was led to his lawyer’s office on Sunday morning after spending the night in an immigration detention hotel on Saturday.
Djokovic had a visa to travel to Australia, and a COVID-19 infection on December 16 gave him a medical exemption from the Open’s vaccine regulations. Tennis Australia arranged the exemption.
The government decided recent infection alone did not match its conditions for an exemption, causing significant criticism in Australia, which has among of the world’s strongest COVID-19 lockdowns and where over 90% of individuals are vaccinated.
The Djokovic visa drama has fueled a furious discussion about individuals who choose to remain unvaccinated as nations take further efforts to safeguard their citizens from the epidemic.
Here’s Djokovic statement in full:
“I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.
“I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.
“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.
“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.
“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”
