Scott Morrison, Australia's Prime Minister, defended on Friday a new cancellation of his country's visa for the world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, arguing the sacrifices of his fellow nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic should be protected.
In a tweet, Morrison, who championed the idea to ban Djokovic from taking part at this year’s Australian Open (AO) because he was not vaccinated, said „rules are rules. There are no special cases.“
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the decision to cancel the visa of Novak Djokovic, who was set to play in the Australian Open tournament after receiving a medical exemption for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/4wZowaHoOR
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 6, 2022
Some observers said Morrison’s rating ahead of the May elections declined due to his handling the pandemic and that Djokovic could serve as an example of his determination in combating the COVID-19.
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If the court rejects Djokovic’s potential appeal, he faces a three-year ban from entering Australia. But, there are some exemptions from that rule.
On whether three-year visa bab for #Djokovic sticks: “…Certain circumstances that affect the interests of Australia or compassionate or compelling circumstances interests of Australia…” ?? pic.twitter.com/QIIrW5N8xx
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 14, 2022
Australians experienced one of the longest lockdowns, and despite some 90 percent of the population being vaccinated, the country reported dozens of thousands newly infected.
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said earlier on Friday he would use his personal power to revoke Novak Djokovic’s visa for a second time.
Djokovic has the right to appeal, and his legal time can argue that Minister Alex Hawke did not take into account the information he had appropriately.
If there were an appeal, judge Antony Kelly who previously quashed the Border Authorities decision to revoke Djokovic’s visa after he came to Melbourne, would lead the process again.
Djokovic’s legal team hope the court ruling will be known by Sunday to enable the world number one tennis player to defend his Australian Open title at the first Grand Slam in 2022 that starts on Monday.
Minister Hawke stated that the decision to cancel #Djokovic visa was based on “health and other good grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so”. ?? pic.twitter.com/fRITLUvEH0
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 14, 2022
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