Popular
What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?
Recognizing Gaslighting
What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?
Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring
What are VPNs, and why are they in the news always?
Few terms coming up in focus to understand the troubled global economy
U.S. Fed interest rate hike and its impact on India
Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past and the present 
Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the news always?
The world faces a growing stagflationary storm
Politics Science News
  • Home
  • Topics
    • Economics Environment Global Reports/Agreements In pictures Intl. Organisations Personalities Politics Science & Tech Theory / Facts World World History All
      Economics

      Few terms coming up in focus to understand…

      29th July 2022

      Economics

      Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the…

      23rd May 2022

      Economics

      The world faces a growing stagflationary storm

      5th May 2022

      Economics

      What is and Why De-Dollarisation?

      22nd April 2022

      Economics

      Explained – The U.S. Federal Reserve to increase…

      8th February 2022

      Economics

      All you need to know about the Natural…

      24th January 2022

      Economics

      The Truth about “Tax the Rich”

      27th December 2021

      Economics

      Venezuela Crisis

      2nd October 2021

      Environment

      World Air Quality Report 

      28th March 2022

      Environment

      Why should we be worried about topsoil erosion?

      21st March 2022

      Environment

      Effects of Climate Change

      30th July 2021

      Environment

      Implications of a Tragic Love Story – Coral…

      4th June 2021

      Global Reports/Agreements

      IPCC Report 2022

      8th March 2022

      Global Reports/Agreements

      The Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC and Paris…

      3rd August 2021

      Global Reports/Agreements

      Understanding World Happiness Report

      15th April 2021

      In pictures

      World War 2 Summary (1939 to 1945)

      9th July 2020

      In pictures

      World War I – 1914-1918

      30th June 2020

      Intl. Organisations

      What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

      5th January 2023

      Intl. Organisations

      International Energy Agency (IEA)

      15th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

      12th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

      10th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      What is the G20 Summit?

      31st October 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      What is QUAD? | Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

      10th October 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      SCO – What is Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

      28th September 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      G7 GROUP

      24th September 2021

      Personalities

      Gramsci Prison Notebooks

      18th November 2021

      Personalities

      John Stuart Mill: Theories

      10th September 2021

      Personalities

      Understanding Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

      4th July 2021

      Personalities

      John Locke – Father of Liberalism

      14th June 2021

      Personalities

      Hobbes Leviathan – Political Philosophy of Hobbes

      22nd May 2021

      Personalities

      Chanakya Strategies in administration

      30th March 2021

      Personalities

      Who was Machiavelli? – The Prince Summary and…

      3rd March 2021

      Personalities

      Aristotle – A Greek Philosopher

      25th January 2021

      Politics

      What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

      21st October 2022

      Politics

      Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

      18th August 2022

      Politics

      Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past…

      27th May 2022

      Politics

      Sudan’s Nightmare: The Conflict Explained

      9th January 2022

      Politics

      What’s happening between Ukraine and Russia?

      12th December 2021

      Politics

      China Taiwan Conflict

      7th October 2021

      Politics

      Taliban taking over Afghanistan

      18th August 2021

      Politics

      Armenian Genocide – What Happened?

      24th April 2021

      Science & Tech

      What are VPNs, and why are they in…

      29th July 2022

      Science & Tech

      Does Splinternet mean the end of the Internet?

      6th April 2022

      Science & Tech

      What you must know about the world’s first…

      2nd January 2022

      Science & Tech

      Omicron: Everything you need to know about COVID-19…

      5th December 2021

      Science & Tech

      Dopamine Happy Hormone

      14th August 2021

      Science & Tech

      How to avoid trans fat?

      7th August 2021

      Science & Tech

      Mental Health during the COVID19 pandemic 

      27th June 2021

      Science & Tech

      CRISPR Nobel Prize 2020 – What is it…

      27th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      What is Fascism?

      21st July 2021

      Theory / Facts

      Banality of Evil

      14th July 2021

      Theory / Facts

      Evolution of Western Political Thought

      19th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      What is Game Theory in Politics?

      10th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      Demarcation of Powers and Responsibilities

      13th September 2019

      Theory / Facts

      Realist vs Idealist

      2nd September 2019

      World

      The Truth about Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

      28th February 2022

      World

      Djokovic Visa Controversy – More Than What Meets…

      17th January 2022

      World

      Happiest Countries in the World – Top 10

      5th April 2021

      World

      5 Women making history in 2021 – Women…

      21st March 2021

      World

      Five demonstrations that changed history

      5th February 2021

      World

      Myanmar Story

      2nd February 2021

      World

      India and Global Nuclear Order

      31st January 2021

      World

      Nuclear Proliferation

      30th January 2021

      World History

      Israel Palestine Conflict

      11th May 2021

      World History

      What is Cold War? – Cold War Summary

      11th February 2021

      World History

      Russian Revolution

      10th January 2021

      World History

      The Soviet Union Collapse and End of Cold…

      30th December 2020

      World History

      French Revolution – What happened?

      3rd December 2020

      World History

      American Revolution Summary

      28th November 2020

      World History

      South Korea vs North Korea

      12th September 2020

      World History

      World War 2 Summary (1939 to 1945)

      9th July 2020

      Topics

      What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

      5th January 2023

      Topics

      What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

      21st October 2022

      Topics

      Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

      18th August 2022

      Topics

      What are VPNs, and why are they in…

      29th July 2022

      Topics

      Few terms coming up in focus to understand…

      29th July 2022

      Topics

      Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past…

      27th May 2022

      Topics

      Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the…

      23rd May 2022

      Topics

      The world faces a growing stagflationary storm

      5th May 2022

  • NewsFeed
  • Miscellaneous
  • Videos
  • Archives
World

Djokovic Visa Controversy – More Than What Meets The Eye?

by Admin 17th January 2022
17th January 2022
Djokovic visa controversy

Background

Djokovic Visa Controversy – The Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, had been granted a medical exemption to play in the year’s first grand slam, the Australian Open. Djokovic requested a medical exemption from Australia’s tight Covid visa restrictions in a procedure administered jointly by Tennis Australia and the Victorian Government (rather than the Australian national government) on the grounds that he acquired the infection in mid-December.

However, when he arrived in Melbourne shortly before midnight on January 5, his visa was withdrawn by the Australian Border Force. They stated that the documentation presented for his exemption was insufficient after he acknowledged himself to be unvaccinated.

A Deep Dive Into Djokovic Visa Controversy

Djokovic positive for COVID-19

Djokovic got tested in Serbia, where it is mandatory to isolate for 14 days after a positive Covid test. Despite his positive test, he supposedly went on public appearances, violating isolation regulations. He took to social media to admit that he had made a mistake.

STATEMENT BY NOVAK DJOKOVIC
12 January 2022https://t.co/qhreHUYlQ8

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 12, 2022

Incorrect travel declaration

Furthermore, Djokovic’s Australian travel declaration form indicated that he had not visited any other nation in the 14 days preceding his arrival, even though he had been to Spain for tennis practice on December 31. Djokovic claims that a team member filled out the paperwork and made a “human error” by ticking the erroneous box concerning his last trip before going to Australia.

Cancellation of the visa

The tennis player was notified of a visa issue shortly before midnight on January 5, without disclosing details. An Australian Border Force agent informed him at 4 AM local time that his visa would be revoked. Djokovic was confused since he thought officials had assessed him to enter the country on a medical exemption; otherwise, he would not have been able to board the plane. He requested that the interview be postponed until 8:30 AM to call his attorneys and tennis officials to gather additional information about the matter. However, immigration officials pressed him to complete the interview sooner, and after a series of assessment interviews, revoked his visa and detained him.

Challenge against the cancellation of his visa

Djokovic’s attorneys contended that immigration officers made several legal mistakes, including the improper exercise of authority. They eventually won on the common law concepts of “procedural fairness” and “legal unreasonableness,” alleging that immigration officials denied him one of the most fundamental aspects of the law – the opportunity to reply. As a result, the Federal Court granted permission to Novak Djokovic to enter Australia. 

Following his release from detention, the tennis star publicly expressed his intention to stay in Australia and play in the Australian Open.

I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened,I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen
I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. 👇 pic.twitter.com/iJVbMfQ037

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022

Visa denied again

But Alex Hawke, the immigration minister, used his executive powers to reject Djokovic’s visa on “health and good order grounds”. Djokovic faced deportation and a three-year visa suspension as a result of the ruling.

There has been much conjecture regarding why Djokovic’s visa was revoked, including the possibility that he neglected to declare his travel plans before coming to Australia.

However, the Minister claimed in his written reasons that, given Djokovic’s high profile and position as a role model in the sporting and broader world, his presence in Australia posed a health risk to the Australian people and may fuel anti-vaccination sentiment. This might result in people refusing to take a booster vaccine, unvaccinated people falling ill or spreading the disease to others, and increased strain on the Australian health system.

Last appeal to challenge the decision to revoke the visa

Novak Djokovic yet again filed a new appeal against the Australian government’s decision. This time, Djokovic’s counsel contended that the immigration officials’ explanation was utterly contradictory to the initial reasons for the visa revocation. And Djokovic’s continued presence in Australia posed a negligible risk to the health of the Australian people.

They said that his presence cannot be held responsible for influencing community resistance to the vaccine and that the government made falsified claims.

Djokovic loses appeal

Three judges denied his appeal unanimously based on the government’s argument and stated that the court was only concerned with the decision’s “lawfulness or legality.” The courts will release a detailed written statement at a later date. Novak Djokovic issued a formal statement in which he expressed his disappointment with the decision but respected it and vowed to cooperate with the relevant authorities. He’s already departed the country.

Perspectives

The first hearing was primarily about the process, including how Novak was treated in the airport and not given enough time to meet with his legal team. The second time, the focus was on Djokovic and if he is a risk to public health since he is a claimed icon for anti-vaxxers.

Australia

Over 90% of Australia’s adult population is completely vaccinated. As the government has worked to contain the virus, citizens have had to contend with tight travel restrictions for the past two years. As a result, many people are outraged at the prospect of preferential treatment for a celebrity when many others in the country are still unable to travel overseas or even locally in certain situations.

Mandatory vaccine

The initial and generally unfavorable reaction to Djokovic’s exemption declaration was instantaneous.

Government

On the government front, there are two things to consider. For starters, the government recognizes that this is their greatest chance to make a public-interest case. In addition to the prime Minister, several officials expressed their disapproval for granting Djokovic a visa.

Second, the government has suffered a great deal of humiliation due to this. Politicians have appeared to be imposing norms that they do not comprehend.

Djokovic – Desperation to compete

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal are the “Big Three” in tennis. The trio has dominated men’s singles since the 2003 Australian Open, winning 60 of the last 75 Grand Slam championships, with each player having won 20 Grand Slams.

Novak Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to conclude his career with the most Grand Slam men’s titles ever.

The Australian Open was an opportunity to win his 21st major, making a record and putting him ahead of long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the first time.

Djokovic visa Australian open
Image Source : Wikipedia

Even though he was unvaccinated, Djokovic went to a nation that had closed its borders to non-vaccinated persons, expecting that his exemption would allow him to enter and play. Djokovic demonstrated his eagerness to not miss another Grand Slam opportunity by his intention to appeal the decision to withdraw his visa.

However, numerous players, including Rafael Nadal, have stated that they were aware they needed to get vaccinated to enter Australia, which shifts the focus back to Djokovic.

Why is Djokovic’s visa controversy significant?

For the world, it has become a debate on many issues. 

First, Djokovic’s sheer disregard for COVID-19 measures and public health has been appalling. While he stated that he was unaware of his positive test until two days later and admitted to making a mistake by attending public events, it is difficult to understand a sportsman of his renown disregarding fundamental isolation rules. At best, it was an error of judgment; at worst, it demonstrated a lack of awareness of the gravity of the pandemic for his fellow people.

Second, there has been a longstanding dispute between pro and anti-vaxxers. Djokovic did not vaccinate due to earlier COVID-19 exposure, but his opinions on vaccinations are well known. But at the end of the day, it is his own choice, and he came to play a game, not to provoke public opinion in favor or against vaccinations. But does he have the ability to persuade anti-vaxxers?

Third, stringent visa requirements added another degree of complication. Can this instance be viewed any differently from the countless others where people were denied visas based on their vaccination status? Granting a visa to a world-class athlete adds fuel to the controversy over “Are the regulations the same for everyone?”

That takes us to the ground rules. Tennis Australia must bear some of the guilt for informing players that they could attend the event unvaccinated if they were granted a medical exemption, despite the government’s objections. When it comes to rules, it appears that there is a growing lack of agreement among various organizations and governments. Admission should have been straightforward if prior COVID-19 exposure was a valid reason for a medical exemption. If it wasn’t, Djokovic should not have been allowed to board the plane in the first place.

This raises the question of why state and federal governments interpret rules differently or if they are even on the same page. There was no shortage of criticism on social media of the federal government’s handling of the Djokovic case. 

Last but not least, is the matter, after all, political? Is the administration attempting to appease the public ahead of the next elections?

Last words

While we may not have answers to these questions yet, we know that Djokovic indeed does not have his chance of winning the 21st grand slam title this time. However, the entire episode has undoubtedly brought up several issues. 

This uproar is not the consequence of a failure of the laws but the government’s lack of ability and leadership. Simultaneously, the inability to anticipate the problems that have arisen due to Djokovic’s lack of foresight. With the French Open lined up next, Djokovic’s success will be determined by how he recovers from this setback.

previous post
Sudan’s Nightmare: The Conflict Explained
next post
All you need to know about the Natural Gas energy crisis

Related Articles

The Truth about Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

28th February 2022

Happiest Countries in the World – Top 10

5th April 2021

5 Women making history in 2021 – Women...

21st March 2021

Five demonstrations that changed history

5th February 2021

Myanmar Story

2nd February 2021

India and Global Nuclear Order

31st January 2021

Nuclear Proliferation

30th January 2021

US President Election and Impeachment Process

20th January 2021

Singapore Democracy – First World Nation

22nd September 2019

Recent Posts

  • What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

    5th January 2023
  • Recognizing Gaslighting

    10th December 2022
  • What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

    21st October 2022
  • Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

    18th August 2022
  • What are VPNs, and why are they in the news always?

    29th July 2022

Subscribe Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

NewsFeed

  • Climate change destroying unique kelp forests

    4th February 2023
  • What is short selling?

    2nd February 2023
  • What exactly is China’s ‘Chunyun’? 

    31st January 2023
  • After 50,000 years, a ‘green comet’ will approach the planet

    27th January 2023
  • 2023 UN World Social Report

    20th January 2023
  • Global Risk Report 2023

    16th January 2023
  • What is a recession?

    13th January 2023
  • Tokyo is crowded that the government is paying families to relocate

    10th January 2023
  • Green Hydrogen Explained

    7th January 2023
  • Why is Ozempic trending on TikTok?

    4th January 2023

Article Archives

Editor’s Picks

  • International Organisations List

    7th October 2020

Social Counter

facebook Like
instagram Follow Us

Popular Posts

  • 1

    World Economic Forum (WEF)

    27th January 2021
  • 2

    China Taiwan Conflict

    7th October 2021
  • 3

    European Union

    20th October 2019
  • 4

    Sunni and Shia Differences and ISIS Conflict

    1st October 2019
  • 5

    Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict

    9th October 2020

Posts Slider

What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

5th January 2023

Recognizing Gaslighting

10th December 2022

What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

21st October 2022

Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

18th August 2022

What are VPNs, and why are they in...

29th July 2022

Few terms coming up in focus to understand...

29th July 2022

U.S. Fed interest rate hike and its impact...

17th June 2022

Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past...

27th May 2022

Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the...

23rd May 2022

The world faces a growing stagflationary storm

5th May 2022

What is and Why De-Dollarisation?

22nd April 2022

International Energy Agency (IEA)

15th April 2022

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

12th April 2022

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

10th April 2022

Does Splinternet mean the end of the Internet?

6th April 2022

Quote

"unexamined life is not worth living" - SOCRATES

"law is a reason free from passions"- ARISTOTLE

"he who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command"- MACHIAVELLI

"be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"- PLATO

"prepare for the worst; expect the best; and take what comes"- HANNAH ARENDT

"he who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that"- J S MILL

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Topics
  • NEWSFEED
  • Videos
  • Miscellaneous
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

@2022 All Right Reserved

Politics Science News
  • Home
  • Topics
    • Economics Environment Global Reports/Agreements In pictures Intl. Organisations Personalities Politics Science & Tech Theory / Facts World World History All
      Economics

      Few terms coming up in focus to understand…

      29th July 2022

      Economics

      Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the…

      23rd May 2022

      Economics

      The world faces a growing stagflationary storm

      5th May 2022

      Economics

      What is and Why De-Dollarisation?

      22nd April 2022

      Economics

      Explained – The U.S. Federal Reserve to increase…

      8th February 2022

      Economics

      All you need to know about the Natural…

      24th January 2022

      Economics

      The Truth about “Tax the Rich”

      27th December 2021

      Economics

      Venezuela Crisis

      2nd October 2021

      Environment

      World Air Quality Report 

      28th March 2022

      Environment

      Why should we be worried about topsoil erosion?

      21st March 2022

      Environment

      Effects of Climate Change

      30th July 2021

      Environment

      Implications of a Tragic Love Story – Coral…

      4th June 2021

      Global Reports/Agreements

      IPCC Report 2022

      8th March 2022

      Global Reports/Agreements

      The Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC and Paris…

      3rd August 2021

      Global Reports/Agreements

      Understanding World Happiness Report

      15th April 2021

      In pictures

      World War 2 Summary (1939 to 1945)

      9th July 2020

      In pictures

      World War I – 1914-1918

      30th June 2020

      Intl. Organisations

      What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

      5th January 2023

      Intl. Organisations

      International Energy Agency (IEA)

      15th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

      12th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

      10th April 2022

      Intl. Organisations

      What is the G20 Summit?

      31st October 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      What is QUAD? | Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

      10th October 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      SCO – What is Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

      28th September 2021

      Intl. Organisations

      G7 GROUP

      24th September 2021

      Personalities

      Gramsci Prison Notebooks

      18th November 2021

      Personalities

      John Stuart Mill: Theories

      10th September 2021

      Personalities

      Understanding Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

      4th July 2021

      Personalities

      John Locke – Father of Liberalism

      14th June 2021

      Personalities

      Hobbes Leviathan – Political Philosophy of Hobbes

      22nd May 2021

      Personalities

      Chanakya Strategies in administration

      30th March 2021

      Personalities

      Who was Machiavelli? – The Prince Summary and…

      3rd March 2021

      Personalities

      Aristotle – A Greek Philosopher

      25th January 2021

      Politics

      What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

      21st October 2022

      Politics

      Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

      18th August 2022

      Politics

      Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past…

      27th May 2022

      Politics

      Sudan’s Nightmare: The Conflict Explained

      9th January 2022

      Politics

      What’s happening between Ukraine and Russia?

      12th December 2021

      Politics

      China Taiwan Conflict

      7th October 2021

      Politics

      Taliban taking over Afghanistan

      18th August 2021

      Politics

      Armenian Genocide – What Happened?

      24th April 2021

      Science & Tech

      What are VPNs, and why are they in…

      29th July 2022

      Science & Tech

      Does Splinternet mean the end of the Internet?

      6th April 2022

      Science & Tech

      What you must know about the world’s first…

      2nd January 2022

      Science & Tech

      Omicron: Everything you need to know about COVID-19…

      5th December 2021

      Science & Tech

      Dopamine Happy Hormone

      14th August 2021

      Science & Tech

      How to avoid trans fat?

      7th August 2021

      Science & Tech

      Mental Health during the COVID19 pandemic 

      27th June 2021

      Science & Tech

      CRISPR Nobel Prize 2020 – What is it…

      27th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      What is Fascism?

      21st July 2021

      Theory / Facts

      Banality of Evil

      14th July 2021

      Theory / Facts

      Evolution of Western Political Thought

      19th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      What is Game Theory in Politics?

      10th December 2020

      Theory / Facts

      Demarcation of Powers and Responsibilities

      13th September 2019

      Theory / Facts

      Realist vs Idealist

      2nd September 2019

      World

      The Truth about Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

      28th February 2022

      World

      Djokovic Visa Controversy – More Than What Meets…

      17th January 2022

      World

      Happiest Countries in the World – Top 10

      5th April 2021

      World

      5 Women making history in 2021 – Women…

      21st March 2021

      World

      Five demonstrations that changed history

      5th February 2021

      World

      Myanmar Story

      2nd February 2021

      World

      India and Global Nuclear Order

      31st January 2021

      World

      Nuclear Proliferation

      30th January 2021

      World History

      Israel Palestine Conflict

      11th May 2021

      World History

      What is Cold War? – Cold War Summary

      11th February 2021

      World History

      Russian Revolution

      10th January 2021

      World History

      The Soviet Union Collapse and End of Cold…

      30th December 2020

      World History

      French Revolution – What happened?

      3rd December 2020

      World History

      American Revolution Summary

      28th November 2020

      World History

      South Korea vs North Korea

      12th September 2020

      World History

      World War 2 Summary (1939 to 1945)

      9th July 2020

      Topics

      What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?

      5th January 2023

      Topics

      What is China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy?

      21st October 2022

      Topics

      Latest on Tunisia and Arab Spring

      18th August 2022

      Topics

      What are VPNs, and why are they in…

      29th July 2022

      Topics

      Few terms coming up in focus to understand…

      29th July 2022

      Topics

      Dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan – The past…

      27th May 2022

      Topics

      Why are special drawing rights (SDR) in the…

      23rd May 2022

      Topics

      The world faces a growing stagflationary storm

      5th May 2022

  • NewsFeed
  • Miscellaneous
  • Videos
  • Archives