According to sources from the Sydney Morning Herald, Djokovic was denied a visa to enter Australia while on a flight from Dubai to Melbourne.
Djokovic will have to leave Australia on January 6, at the request of this country’s border force.
The Australian Federal Government is said to have repeatedly sent letters to Tennis Australia, the organizer of the Australian Open, to inform them that Covid-19 infection in the past six months is not grounds for medical exemption.
`The Australian Immunization Technical Advisory Group does not endorse the process put in place by the Victorian government or Tennis Australia to apply for a medical exemption,` a senior federal source told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Djokovic’s profile is said to be similar to the few players who have received medical exemptions, in 26 cases.
`I don’t know how the federal government will handle players who have entered the country with similar medical exemptions as Djokovic,` a Tennis Australia official said on January 6.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison supports the actions of the Border Force in Djokovic’s case.
Ms. Jaala Pulford, Acting Minister of Sports of Victoria, said the Australian Border Force (ABF) asked the Victorian government to support Djokovic’s entry.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the morning of January 6 denied that Djokovic was `beaten by ABF`.
`I don’t think ABF gives Djokovic special treatment,` Mr. Morrison said.
According to ESPN, Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption by Tennis Australia.
`This proof is required to be presented at the border to anyone who has not been vaccinated,` ESPN quoted Australian journalist Paul Sakkal.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the final decision depends on the ABF.