Australian government explains why Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled

Djokovic was denied entry to the country on Wednesday

The health minister for Australia has explained the reasons behind why Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled by the country’s Border Force Officials.

The Serb arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday but was denied entry into the country after a mix-up with his visa application due to requesting the wrong type of visa for those with a medical exemption as to why they hadn’t been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic has repeatedly refused to confirm if he has been vaccinated and the decision to allow him into the country has been met with anger from locals, who described it as a “slap in the face.”

The world number one is currently being held in a hotel and will remain in Australia until Monday when a final decision will be made on if he will be deported.

The news was confirmed by prime minister Scott Morrison who tweeted: “Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules.

“Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.”

Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.

— Scott Morrison (@ScoMo30) January 5, 2022

The country’s health minister, Greg Hunt, appeared on Australian TV programme Sunrise, to explain why the Serb was denied entry to the country.

“Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to enter Australia and the visa has been subsequently cancelled,” he explained.