Australian PM Scott Morrison says no decision yet on Novak Djokovic visa

E-Paper | March 17, 2026

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday his government has yet to decide on cancelling tennis superstar Novak Djokovic's visa.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke's earlier statement that he is pondering whether to tear up the visa “has not changed”, Morrison told a news conference in Canberra on the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Australian leader stressed that it was a decision for Hawke to take, declining further comment.

Djokovic flew into Melbourne hoping to claim a tenth Australian Open title on January 5.

Also read: 'No-vac' Djokovic wins Australia visa case, judge orders his release

The unvaccinated 34-year-old Serbian ace carried with him a vaccine exemption because of a claimed positive PCR test result on December 16.

Border agents rejected his exemption, saying a recent infection was an insufficient reason, tore up his visa and placed him in a detention centre.

But vaccine-sceptic Djokovic's high-powered legal team overturned the visa decision in court on Monday on a procedural matter related to his airport interview.

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Adeel

Jan 13, 2022 02:49pm

Decision to tear up the visa would have been easier if Djokovic wasn't white

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jan 13, 2022 02:51pm

Joke of the century.

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Aly

Jan 13, 2022 02:55pm

This incident has exposed how Australian immigration treats immigrants.

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Rahim, Karachi

Jan 13, 2022 02:57pm

If PMIK was the PM of Australia, he would have kicked Djokovic already. Certain boldness and fairness needed in these matters

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Falcon1

Jan 13, 2022 03:13pm

Australian Federal and State government for Queensland, both mishandled the matter from the very beginning, made some blunders in their decisions to allow him to stay in the country and consumed unnecessary time and resources. Now they are in a bind to come clean and for once say, that they will deport him! He lied on his visa forms, concealed his travel history and was less than truthful. Yet he is still being hosted by Australia. While honest asylum seekers languish in detention for years!

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Jan 13, 2022 03:14pm

U turn by Australian PM, demonstrating discrimination and double standards. Will he and his government treat other immigrants similarly and allow them to enter without vaccination proof?

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jan 13, 2022 03:23pm

Let the fair and free Australian judiciary decide about this crucial test case of justice in Australia.

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MJ Khan

Jan 13, 2022 03:23pm

Novak has been caught lying and deserves to be kicked out of Australia.

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Jamil Soomro, New York City

Jan 13, 2022 03:46pm

Now you see the Visa now you don't Ding Dong. This indecisiveness on the part of the Australian Govt. has created total suspense on the Issue of Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia around the world. He has blatantly lied on the form he was given to fill.

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aur

Jan 13, 2022 04:04pm

This fellow has no shame, if he is not living up to the country's requirements for visa, he should not force himself on them.. Be a gentleman and just leave and rest. show some self respect.

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Love Your Country

Jan 13, 2022 04:16pm

The political game being played in kangaroo land is fascinating. Let's wait and see how it will end.

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Ibrahim S

Jan 13, 2022 06:01pm

Lock him up for lying and endangering others

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Sam

Jan 13, 2022 06:51pm

If he’s not vaccinated, but tests negative then what’s anyones problem? Vaccine is anyway ineffective against Omicron Strain

Recommend 0

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