At the beginning of this year, Djokovic was deported by then Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, who canceled his visa on the grounds of health and good order. He was immediately subject to a three-year Australian entry ban. However, after the Australian general election in May this year, the Labor Party replaced the Coalition Party as the new ruling party. Many reports believe that if Djokovic applies, the Labor Party will cancel the decision to deport him, and the three-year ban on entry will also be cancelled.
At present, Australia no longer requires the injection of the new crown vaccine . Djokovic has the opportunity to enter Australia to participate in the 2023 Australian Open . However, former Interior Minister Karen Andrews directly "sprayed cold water" in an interview with the media, saying that the 21st Grand Slam champion should not receive special treatment.
"I understand the situation is different. But Mr. Djokovic's ban was caused by his visa cancellation at the time, and others were also banned from entering Australia for similar reasons. Immigration Bureau If Djokovic chooses to give special treatment for entry, then how should people in other situations be handled?"
Former Australian Home Minister Karen Andrews
"If the Immigration Department really gives Djokovic preferential treatment, it seems to be a slap for those who do the right thing for Australia. Why can Djokovic be allowed to enter this country? Just because he is a high-ranking tennis player who has made millions of dollars?"
"This should not be that there is a special rule for Djokovic, but different rules for others who don't have millions of dollars."
Australia's Immigration Department Minister said at the time that the main reason for the cancellation of the Djokovic visa was because of concern that celebrities like him who were not vaccinated may inspire anti-vaccination sentiment among his fans. Andrews said this was just one of the reasons, and she also emphasized other factors, including Djokovic's public appearance when he tested positive for the new crown before the 2022 Australian Open.
