Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa means. He could be barred from entering Australia for three years under the country’s tough immigration laws.
In a statement Mr Hawke said he cancelled the visa “on health and good order grounds, [and] on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so”.
The minister added Djokovic had his visa restored only on “procedural fairness grounds”.
He added that “carefully considered information provided” by Djokovic, his department, and the Australian Border Force were all taken into account.
“Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” his statement said.
“This decision followed orders by the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 10 January 2022, quashing a prior cancellation decision on procedural fairness grounds.
“In making this decision, I carefully considered information provided to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic.
“The Morrison Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
That visa was cancelled cancelled by a Border Force official before a Federal Judge overturned that order at an appeal hearing on Monday.
Since he has been confirmed as unvaccinated, Djokovic is deemed a risk to public health.
