January 10, (THEWILL) – After his visa revocation was ‘quashed,’ Novak Djokovic won his appeal to stay and compete in Australia.
The world number one is expected to be released from detention after being kept at the border following his arrival last week, however the government may try to reject his visa again.
In such a case, he may face a three-year suspension from the country. This is because after the local state government granted Djokovic a medical exemption to compete in the Australian Open, federal border inspectors determined he did not match the admission requirements.
All international visitors to Australia are required to be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption and Djokovic’s exemption was challenged by the authorities.
After months of lockdown and severe social distancing measures, the decision to grant Djokovic a medical exemption had infuriated many in Australia, where the decision to grant him a medical exemption had infuriated many.
As THEWILL reported, Djokovic’s attorneys have presented court records showing that the top-ranked Serb tested positive for the coronavirus on December 16 and recovered, which was the basis for him receiving a medical exemption, ahead of the appeals session.
Djokovic’s passport and personal goods were returned to him immediately after Judge Anthony Kelly found that cancelling his visa was “unreasonable” “What more could this man have done?” Judge Kelly wondered at one point.
The verdict aside, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke may still consider issuing a second notice of cancellation of Djokovic’s visa, according to government lawyer Christopher Tran.
If the minister makes that decision, the Serbian might be barred from visiting Australia for up to three years.
Yet, as his lawyers argued in the appeal, Djokovic’s medical exemption was approved after a “rigorous review process” comprising two distinct independent committees of medical specialists, according to Australian Open organisers.
The Serbian superstar was transported to the Park Hotel ahead of his appeal after the Australian Border Force denied the champion access to the country.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
