Australia Rejects Djokovic Vaccine Dispensation, PM Scott Morrison: Visa Canceled, Nothing Privileges

Novak Djokovic (Twitter @djokernole)

JAKARTA - The Australian government has finally canceled the entry visa for world number one Novak Djokovic, who previously received a vaccine dispensation before entering this continental country.

The cancellation was delivered directly by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison via his official Twitter account on Thursday, who wrote "Djokovic's visa has been cancelled. Regulations are rules, especially when it comes to our border issues. No one gets privileged from this rule."

Mr Djokovic's visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022

Quoted from Antara, the Serbian tennis player previously received a medical exemption from the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rule in order to play in the Australian Open Grand Slam tournament.

Djokovic, who had arrived at Tullamarine airport, Melbourne, was briefly detained and was confirmed to be out of the airport for one night because of the dispensation issue that caused the protest.

According to a Reuters report, the official government refusal saw Djokovic expelled from Australia and returned to Serbia on Thursday.

Australian border authorities have also confirmed the revocation of Djokovic's visa, Reuters said.

Djokovic landed at Tullamarine on Wednesday at 23:30 local time after flying 14 hours from Dubai. Upon arrival in Australia, Djokovic was immediately taken to an isolation room under police guard when Australian officials said his visa did not allow a medical exemption.

Djokovic has also been under the spotlight for previously making anti-vaccine statements that have angered Australians at the same time the country is trying to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Even Australian tennis legend Rod Laver warned Djokovic that he might face strong resistance from local residents.

"I think it's a bad thing. Maybe Victorians want to watch him (Djokovic) play, but on the other hand there are things that are considered wrong," said Rod.