Australian Govt Cancels Novak Djokovic's Visa For A Second Time, Threatens to Deport Him Once Again

BREAKING:

Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Australian visa "on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so."

This is effectively a re-deportation order for the unvaccinated nine-time #AusOpen champion. pic.twitter.com/2P611AbUiw

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 14, 2022

Australia 🇦🇺 cancelled Djokovic's visa because he could endanger the success of their zero-Covid policy: pic.twitter.com/1GqJrdc8KV

— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) January 14, 2022

Novak Djokovic is set to be detained on Saturday after Australia cancelled his visa for a second time, in a row over his right to remain in the country unvaccinated.

The decision on "health and good order" grounds means he faces deportation and a three-year visa ban.

Djokovic's lawyers called the decision "patently irrational" and will appeal.

The men's tennis number one is still scheduled to play in the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday.

"Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so," Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said in a statement.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision followed "careful consideration".

Fact that majority of Aussies want Djokovic kicked out once again shows how the prisoners are also the warders.

Govern me harder, daddy!

— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) January 14, 2022

Alluding to the heavy criticism his government has faced for allowing the unvaccinated player into Australia, Mr Morrison said: "Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the move, telling the 34-year old in an Instagram message: "Novak, we we stand by you".

"If you wanted to ban Novak Djokovic from winning the 10th trophy in Melbourne why didn't you return him immediately, why didn't you tell him 'it is impossible to obtain a visa'?" Mr Vucic added.

[...] Djokovic's legal team called the minister's decision to cancel the visa "patently irrational".

Citing a government document with more details on why it was revoked, Djokovic's lawyer, Nicholas Wood, said it was not because he is a danger to the public, but because "he will excite anti-vax sentiment".

Although Djokovic is not vaccinated, he has not actively promoted anti-vax disinformation. However, Australian anti-vaxxers have been using the hashtag #IStandWithDjokovic on social media.

Mr Wood added that the minister had chosen to "remove a man of good standing" from Australia and "impair" his future career over anti-vaccination comments Djokovic had made in 2020.