Melbourne: Novak Djokovik An Australian was left stranded at an airport overnight, mired in political turmoil over whether to honor world No. medical exemption Send him home from vaccine requirements or because of a visa error.
Djokovic landed in Melbourne Tulmarine Airport Around 11:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday after a 14-hour flight from Dubai.
But he was still awaiting permission to enter the country to play Australian Open After it emerged that his team had applied for a visa that does not allow medical exemption.
This prompted the local government of Victoria, the state where the Open is played, to say it would not support Djokovic’s application, putting its fate in the hands of the federal government and the prime minister. Scott Morrison,
Djokovic’s father, Sarjan, told Serbian media that his son waited alone in a room at the airport under armed guard to make a final decision on whether or not he could enter the country.
Morrison has faced heavy backlash over his government’s decision to grant Djokovic a medical exemption from vaccination in order to play in the Open, where the player will bid for a record 21st major title.
Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, has endured the world’s longest cumulative lockdown and the Omicron version of the outbreak has sent case numbers to record highs.
Following the backlash, Morrison suggested that Djokovic’s participation was not a perfect deal and that he would have to satisfy the federal government, which has responsibility for international borders and visas and was not part of the waiver process.
Morrison said shortly before Djokovic’s arrival that there would be “no special rules” for him at his remission.
“If that evidence is insufficient, he won’t be treated any differently and will be on the next plane,” Morrison told a media conference earlier.
visa bungalow
Djokovic had arrived by an Emirates flight, but when border officials contacted the Victorian government to ask if the state would formally support the world’s number one visa, he said it would not.
Victoria’s acting sports minister Zala Pulford said: “The federal government has asked whether we will support Novak Djokovic’s visa application to enter Australia.”
“We will not provide personal visa application support to Novak Djokovic to participate in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam.
“We have always been clear on two points: visa approvals That’s a matter for the federal government, and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors.”
It was not clear whether the government would allow his entry. Seema Bal did not respond to a request for comment.
Tennis Australia and government officials insisted that Djokovic, who has said he is opposed to COVID-19 Vaccination, no preferential treatment was received.
angry aussie
The Serbian, who previously refused to disclose his vaccination status, has won nine titles, including the last three at Melbourne Park. He confirmed on Tuesday that he has received a vaccination waiver to be allowed to play at the Australian Open, which begins on January 17.
Australian tennis great Rod Laver, after whom the main showcourt at Melbourne Park in Victoria state is named, warned that Djokovic could face hostility from the local crowd.
“I think it could get ugly,” Laver told News Corp, “I think Victorians might be thinking ‘Yeah, I’d love to see him play and compete, but at the same time there’s a right way and One is wrong. Way.’
“Yes, you’re a great player and you’ve played and won so many tournaments, so it can’t be physical. So what’s the problem?”
Melbourne Local Christine Wharton Said it was an “insult”.
“We’ve all done the right thing, we’ve all gone out and got our jabs and our boosters, and we have someone who’s come from overseas and suddenly he’s given a waiver and he can play, and I think That it’s a complete disgrace and I won’t see it.”
Djokovic landed in Melbourne Tulmarine Airport Around 11:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday after a 14-hour flight from Dubai.
But he was still awaiting permission to enter the country to play Australian Open After it emerged that his team had applied for a visa that does not allow medical exemption.
This prompted the local government of Victoria, the state where the Open is played, to say it would not support Djokovic’s application, putting its fate in the hands of the federal government and the prime minister. Scott Morrison,
Djokovic’s father, Sarjan, told Serbian media that his son waited alone in a room at the airport under armed guard to make a final decision on whether or not he could enter the country.
Morrison has faced heavy backlash over his government’s decision to grant Djokovic a medical exemption from vaccination in order to play in the Open, where the player will bid for a record 21st major title.
Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, has endured the world’s longest cumulative lockdown and the Omicron version of the outbreak has sent case numbers to record highs.
Following the backlash, Morrison suggested that Djokovic’s participation was not a perfect deal and that he would have to satisfy the federal government, which has responsibility for international borders and visas and was not part of the waiver process.
Morrison said shortly before Djokovic’s arrival that there would be “no special rules” for him at his remission.
“If that evidence is insufficient, he won’t be treated any differently and will be on the next plane,” Morrison told a media conference earlier.
visa bungalow
Djokovic had arrived by an Emirates flight, but when border officials contacted the Victorian government to ask if the state would formally support the world’s number one visa, he said it would not.
Victoria’s acting sports minister Zala Pulford said: “The federal government has asked whether we will support Novak Djokovic’s visa application to enter Australia.”
“We will not provide personal visa application support to Novak Djokovic to participate in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam.
“We have always been clear on two points: visa approvals That’s a matter for the federal government, and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors.”
It was not clear whether the government would allow his entry. Seema Bal did not respond to a request for comment.
Tennis Australia and government officials insisted that Djokovic, who has said he is opposed to COVID-19 Vaccination, no preferential treatment was received.
angry aussie
The Serbian, who previously refused to disclose his vaccination status, has won nine titles, including the last three at Melbourne Park. He confirmed on Tuesday that he has received a vaccination waiver to be allowed to play at the Australian Open, which begins on January 17.
Australian tennis great Rod Laver, after whom the main showcourt at Melbourne Park in Victoria state is named, warned that Djokovic could face hostility from the local crowd.
“I think it could get ugly,” Laver told News Corp, “I think Victorians might be thinking ‘Yeah, I’d love to see him play and compete, but at the same time there’s a right way and One is wrong. Way.’
“Yes, you’re a great player and you’ve played and won so many tournaments, so it can’t be physical. So what’s the problem?”
Melbourne Local Christine Wharton Said it was an “insult”.
“We’ve all done the right thing, we’ve all gone out and got our jabs and our boosters, and we have someone who’s come from overseas and suddenly he’s given a waiver and he can play, and I think That it’s a complete disgrace and I won’t see it.”
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