There is already controversy around Djokovic’s entry to Australia
Novak Djoković has extraordinarily been denied entry to Australia due to a mix-up with his visa application.
The Times have reported that the Serb, who landed in Melbourne this afternoon (Wednesday), was denied entry beyond passport control after an error from his support team which saw them mistakingly request a sub-class of visa which doesn’t apply to those who are exempt from the Covid-19 vaccine.
Djokovic’s arrival had already caused controversy after locals criticised the decision to allow him to play in the Australian Open after he received an exemption against the country’s strict vaccination policy, calling it a “slap in the face” after experiencing harsh lockdown restrictions during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, said Djokovic would be sent “on the next plane home” if he fails to provide an acceptable form of exemption.
“Any individual seeking to enter Australia must comply with our border requirements,” he said.
“He has to because if he’s not vaccinated, he must provide acceptable proof that he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and to be able to access the same travel arrangements, as fully vaccinated travellers.
“So we await his presentation and what evidence he provides to support that. If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else and he’ll be on the next plane home.
“There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all, none whatsoever.”
The error was reportedly spotted whilst the tennis world number one was travelling to the tournament and that an attempt to correct the application has been rejected by the Victorian state government.
A statement from Jaala Pulford, the current acting Victorian sports minister, said: “The federal government has asked if we will support Novak Djokovic’s visa application to enter Australia.
“We will not be providing Novak Djokovic with individual visa application support to participate in the 2022 Australian Open grand slam. We’ve always been clear on two points: visa approvals are a matter for the federal government, and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors.”
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