Australia confirms 3-year visa ban for Djokovic

Djokovic

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic will be banned from Australia for three years after his visa cancellation was upheld, Minister of home affairs Karen Andrew said on Monday.

The confirmation was made on the Today Show by Andrews.

“The outcome of the process that went before the Federal Court and their determinations – the visa was cancelled by [immigration] minister Hawke.

“That cancellation was upheld by the Federal Court, so as a result of that, he will be banned from entry for three years into the country.

“Now there are some compelling reasons that may be looked at, but that’s all hypothetical at this point. Any application will be reviewed on its merits.”

Djokovic, failed in his bid to overturn a decision from the government to cancel his visa on public health grounds at the Federal Court in Melbourne on Sunday.

Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, is unable to participate in the Australian Open, which begins today.

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The defending champion was due to launch his quest for a record-extending 10th title against fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.

The three-year visa ban is Australia’s standard punishment that accompanies a deportation order under the Migration Act.

It could be reviewed, but on paper the 34-year-old would miss the next three editions of the slam.

The visa saga began after Djokovic was held at an airport in Melbourne when he arrived in the country on January 6.

The world number one won an appeal to overturn the first bid to deport him from the country.

But immigration minister Hawke used his powers to again cancel the visa on Friday and Djokovic left Australia late on Sunday.

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