Novak Djokovic: attempt failed for a medical exemption to enter Australia, says PM

The Border Force of Australia on Thursday did not accept the visa of Djokovic. Novak who is ranked as the World’s No. 1 tennis player, was denied entry into the country to play in the Australian Open. Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said on Thursday that he failed to get sufficient proof in order to gain the medical exemption.

Novak was set to play his tournament in Melbourne for the tennis match, Australia Open. He was made to wait at the Melbourne airport for several hours and later on was denied the visa. He was going to begin his tournament from January 17th, the first Grand Slam of the year 2022 which is scheduled to be held in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic: Australian Visa denial

Morrison addressed during a media briefing in Canberra, “All I can say is that the evidence (for) medical exemption that was provided was found to be insufficient,” He also added that Djokovic was not singled out for scrutiny over his visa cancellation. One of the Australian Newspapers said, that the tennis player, Djokovic was seeking to enter the country on a work visa which was believed to require support from the Victorian government.

Australians were very furious when they learned that Djokovic had received a medical exemption, since he was vaccine-skeptic, from having a Covid vaccine in order to play at Australia Open. The Glad Slam 2022 is scheduled to begin on 17th January. It was said by the officials that all participants at the first Grand Slam of 2022 must be vaccinated against Covid-19. If not vaccinated they shall have a medical exemption, which is granted only after assessment by two panels of independent experts.

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Minister of Home Affairs

Prime Minister of Australia said, “There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever,” It was also learnt that Djokovic’s team had produced a wrong visa certificate which also made things seem bad for the player. Later on, it was known that the player was asked to take the next flight back home.

Karen Andrews, who is the Minister of Home Affairs had made a strong statement saying that anyone who wishes to enter the country must follow the protocols for the same. She made is clear to the news reporters, saying, “While the Victorian government and Tennis Australia may permit a non-vaccinated player to compete in the Australian Open, it is the Commonwealth government that will enforce our requirements at the Australian border.” 

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