Novak Djokovic's visa issue turns into diplomatic stoush as Serbia's President vows to 'fight for Novak'
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Novak Djokovic is not welcome in Australia and will be deported, after the tennis star was denied entry to the country while stranded at Melbourne airport due to a visa issue.
"Entry with a visa requires double vaccination or a medical exemption," Mr Morrison said. "I am advised that such an exemption was not in place, and as such he is subject to the same rules as anyone else. People are welcome in Australia, but if you're not double-vaccinated and you're not a resident or citizen, then you can't come".
Djokovic was detained by Border Force after arriving in Melbourne late last night.
On Instagram, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić vowed to "fight" for Djokovic to be able to enter Australia, and said he would use all diplomatic avenues available to Serbia to help the player.
"I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him," Mr Vučić wrote. "Our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end, immediately."
Mr Morrison said the Serbian embassy had made representations to the government, but he said Djokovic had been unable to prove he was medically exempt from being vaccinated against COVID-19.
"All countries have their border rules ... other countries have those same rules," he said. "This is a very specific case that deals with one individual."
Djokovic has been vocally opposed to COVID-19 vaccinations, and has refused to confirm whether or not he is vaccinated.
More to come.
