Australia: Serb Tennis star Novak Djokovic faces deportation for the second time after the Australian immigration minister decided to cancel his visa. Reportedly, issuing a lengthy statement, Alex Hawke used discretionary powers to again cancel Djokovic’s visa, after a court nullified an earlier revocation and released him from immigration detention on Monday.
“Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act 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 statement read. Referring to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, he underscored the commitment the Australian govt has adhered to, especially during times of pandemic.
Tension builds as the Australian Open is set to begin in three days. Lawyers fighting for the Tennis star are expected to file an appeal for the cancellation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court once again.
Novak Djokovic was held at the immigration centre for hours after he landed in Melbourne last week to defend his Australian Open title. Citing his arrival illegal, the Australian Border forces had held the tennis star. Apparently, Novak was exempted from the vaccination requirement to compete based on the approval by the Victoria state government and Tennis Australia, the tournament organizer.