MELBOURNE — Australia have revoked tennis star Novak Djokovic’s visa for the second day in a row over his right to remain in the country without being vaccinated.
The decision for “reasons of health and order” means he could be deported and face a three-year visa ban.
Djokovic’s lawyers called the decision “grossly irrational” and said they would appeal.
The men’s tennis number one is set to play at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.
“Today, I exercised my authority (…) to cancel the visa of Mr. Novak Djokovic for reasons of health and good order, because it is in the public interest”, declared the secretary to Immigration Alex Hawke in a statement.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision had been “carefully considered”.
Referring to the heavy criticism his government has faced for allowing the unvaccinated player into Australia, Mr Morrison said: “Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic and they have a right to expect that the result of these sacrifices is protected.”
Djokovic will meet immigration officials in Melbourne on Saturday morning and will be allowed to stay in his current accommodation on Friday evening.
At a hearing shortly after the decision was announced, prosecutors said he would not be deported until his appeal was completed.
The nine-time Australian Open winner was hoping to defend his title next week, which would make him the most successful men’s tennis player in history with a record 21 Grand Slam titles.
For now, Djokovic remains in the Australian Open draw and will face fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic early next week. However, if he is sent off, his place will most likely go to Russian player Andrey Rublev.
Djokovic’s visa was first revoked shortly after arriving in Melbourne on January 6 after Australian Border Force officials said he had “failed to provide adequate evidence” to obtain an exemption from vaccination.
His initial announcement that he was coming to play the Open sparked a backlash from some Australians who have lived under long and severe Covid lockdowns, as it was unclear whether he would be able to respond. the country’s strict entry requirements.
Melbourne in particular has been badly hit by the lockdowns and had to endure 262 days under severe restrictions last year.
Djokovic was held for hours at airport immigration control upon arrival, then spent days in an immigration hotel.
A few days later, his visa was reissued by a judge who ordered his release and ruled that border officials had ignored proper procedure upon his arrival.
But on Friday night in Melbourne, Mr Hawke canceled Djokovic’s visa under separate powers under Australia’s migration law.
The law allows him to deport anyone he considers a potential risk to “the health, safety or order of the Australian community”, but Djokovic can still appeal.
It comes after Djokovic addressed allegations that his agent accidentally made a false statement on his travel form.
Djokovic also admitted meeting a journalist and doing a photo shoot after testing positive for Covid-19.
