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After a Federal court in Melbourne ruled that tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was not at fault for getting his visa cancelled by the Australian border officials, the country has been plunged into a debate. Should Djokovic be allowed to play at the Open?
Can he still be stopped from playing? First, Djokovic may not have been at fault as he came to Australia only after getting an invitation to play in the Australian Open. Second, he was invited despite Tennis Australia officials knowing that he was a vaccine sceptic and that there was a vaccine mandate in place. Djokovic was carrying a vaccination exemption certificate provided by a qualified physician and infectious disease expert provided by Tennis Australia. Djokovic claimed exemption as he was infected with the virus a few months back. It was only that all this did not convince border officials. But the court saw it in a different way. (https://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/djokovic-s-court-win-his-biggest-victory-of-all-declares-family-20220111-p59n9a.html)
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was clear that the border officials were within rules. "Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders," he tweeted within an hour of a decision by border officials to cancel the entry visa of Djokovic. "No one is above these rules."
Following that proclamation, the Australian government could still cancel Djokovic's visa. The government lawyers indicated as much soon after the court verdict. (https://www.smh.com.au/national/why-djokovic-should-not-have-had-his-visa-cancellation-overturned-20220110-p59n50.html)
After facing several lockdowns and other harsh measures to stop the vaccine from spreading and many Australians being forced to meet vaccine because of the mandate, allowing openly sceptical tennis players to flout the rules that applied to them will anger many. In an election year, can the Australian government risk the ire?
But there are several other implications. If the government cancels the visa, it would lead to an automatic three-year ban on Djokovic entering the country. Again according to the rules. It could also affect the image of the country. All eyes are on the federal immigration minister who has the right to cancel Djokovic's visa again.
Read more:
News report:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/09/sports/tennis/novak-djokovic-australian-open-vaccine.html
Why Djokovic's visa was cancelled:
https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/32999494/why-novak-djokovic-visa-was-canceled-means-australian-open