Government confirm Novak Djokovic now ‘banned from Australia for three years’

Novak Djokovic is now banned from Australia for three years, Home Affairs Minster Karen Andrews has confirmed.

Djokovic was involved in a messy wrangle with the Australian government over his presence in the country for the Australian Open due to his refusal to be vaccinated.

The world number one thought he had a valid medical exemption, but Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke ejected him anyway based on a belief it was in the national interest to remove him.

The cancellation of Djokovic’s visa may have lasting ramifications, though, as confirmed by government officials.

“The visa was cancelled by [Immigration] Minister Hawke,” Ms Andrews said.

“That cancellation was upheld by the Federal Court, so as a result of that, he will be banned from entry for three years into the country.

“Any applicant would need to go through the process, it doesn’t matter if you’re Novak Djokovic or anyone else … it’s not a straightforward process,” she said.

“The saga could have been avoided if Novak Djokovic was vaccinated.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison was more optimistic on Djokovic’c chances of returning with in the three-year period.

“I’m not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the minister to make the various calls they have to make,” Mr Morrison said.

“It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for [Djokovic] to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time.”

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