Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic has suffered another setback after his visa was revoked for a second time since entering Australia earlier this month.
According to the latest reports emerging from down under, the latest decision was made by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke who personally overruled the previous decision made by the court that Djokovic could participate at this year’s Australian Open tournament.
Hawke said in a statement: “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.”
The decision made by the minister could also initiate a move which might see Djokovic facing a three-year ban on obtaining a new Australian visa, BBC reports.
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The world number one male tennis player was recently detained at the immigration detention centre after he was denied entry into Australia and his visa was revoked regarding the controversy surrounding his vaccination status. Djokovic was granted an exemption from vaccination rules.
According to the rules, it’s mandatory for all players and staff at the tournament to be vaccinated or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel.
Meanwhile, following the decision taken up by the Minister allows him to deport anyone that is deemed a potential risk to “the health, [and] safety of the Australian community,” however, Djokovic can still appeal this decision.
More to follow.
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