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In a major development, Novak Djokovic has lost his court bid to stay in Australia and is set to be deported. The Australian government ruled that the World No.1 Tennis player, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, posed a threat to public health.
Australia federal court confirmed the cancellation of Novak Djokovic's Australian Visa. During Sunday's court hearing before a three-judge panel, Djokovic's defence unsuccessfully argued that the grounds given by the government were "invalid and illogical". The hearing in the Federal Court was before Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan. Their decision was unanimous.
The Federal Court said its full reasons for the decision will be published in the coming days, but indicated that the decision reflected their belief that the Immigration Minister enjoyed the power to cancel visas at his discretion.
As a result, Djokovic will be deported from Australia, will be unable to compete in the Australian Open and may face a ban on entry to Australia of up to three years.
Notably, Djokovic has been staying at an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne, the same place he was taken after his visa was first revoked following his arrival on 6 January. The Tennis star had been scheduled to play his first match on Monday.