Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa is denied after exemption papers queried

·

The Australian government has confirmed that the entry visa for World No.1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has been cancelled. He is expected to be deported later today.

“Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia,” the Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has since reacted to the decision, tweeting that “rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders.”

The decision comes after it emerged that his team had applied for a visa that does not allow for medical exemptions.

Djokovic was granted an exemption to play in this month’s Australian Open in Melbourne. Yesterday, that decision was met with widespread criticism, but Tennis Australia and Victorian government officials said Djokovic was not given special treatment.

Djokovic touched down at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport on Wednesday about 11:30pm AEDT after a 14-hour flight from Dubai.

The 20-time grand slam winner was being questioned by ABF officials in a room at Melbourne Airport until at least 5am.

Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, told Serbian media that his son was waiting, alone, in a room at the Tullamarine airport under armed guard for a final decision on whether he could enter the country.

Djokovic’s visa drama has derailed his pursuit of his 10th Australian Open singles title and 21st grand slam title overall.

UPDATE:

Djokovic has launched a last minute bid in the Federal Circuit Court to stop the federal government from deporting him ahead of the Australian Open.

Lawyers for the Serbian star appeared in the Melbourne court on Thursday afternoon, but the court heard his lawyers were yet to file documents supporting their case.

Judge Anthony Kelly adjourned the hearing to 4pm and said he was prepared to sit late on Thursday to hear the case.

Source: The Age.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek film festival turns 30 with a Stellar Line-Up of Award-Winning films

The Greek Film Festival is celebrating a major anniversary this year - 30 years of bringing Greek stories to Australian screens.

Summer School for Greek Language teachers in Australia

For the first time in Australia, a specialized online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

Children’s week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Children’s Week the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools are taking part in the celebrations organised by the Victorian Government

Get Online Week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Get Online Week 2025, the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria will proudly join Good Things Foundation’s national campaign.

St Benedict School in Mt Torrens rejects screens, embraces ancient Greek philosophy

Established in early 2024 by members of the Catholic Church of the Holy Name, St Benedict has grown to around 50 students.

You May Also Like

On This Day: Famous Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos was born

Leonidas Kavakos is regarded as not only Greece’s, but the world's, finest violinist. He was born on this day in 1967.

Alex Hawke MP announces increased flexibility for citizenship applicants

Federal Government has announced changes that will streamline the pathway to citizenship for some of the most talented Australians.

The Andonaros family’s Big Fat Greek Easter gathering in Canberra

On Sunday, April 20, my family from ACT, QLD, NSW, and SA came together for our very own big, fat, Greek Easter reunion.Â