Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic's Visa For Second Time

New Delhi: The Government of Australia on Friday canceled Novak Djokovic's visa for the second time in a row, who came to the country to participate in the Australian Open 2022 without taking the corona vaccine.

Following the cancellation of his visa for the second time, tennis superstar Novak will now have to leave Australia.

In an official statement issued by the Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said he acted on "health and good order grounds on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so".

''Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government "is firmly committed to protecting Australia's borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement added.

The cancellation effectively means Djokovic would be barred from a new Australian visa for three years, except under certain circumstances.

Notably, earlier, the Australian government had canceled Novak's visa on his arrival in Melbourne after which he was sent to detention for a few days.

After this decision of the Australian government, it has become difficult for Djokovic to play in the Australian Open which will start from January 17.

Meanwhile, it is believed that Djokovic's lawyers can approach court again as they did when his visa was canceled for the first time, from where they got relief and the visa was reinstated.

What is the controversy?

The controversy started when the 34-year-old Serbian player's visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force despite having permission from Tennis Australia and the Victoria State Government to play in the Australian Open without getting the vaccine.

After this, he stayed in hotel detention for four days. However, on January 10, a court restored his visa and allowed him to come out of the hotel.

Also read: Djokovic forced to issue clarification after 'misinformation' on COVID-19

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