The Australian prime minister has said that Novak Djokovic could return to Australia sooner than anticipated after his deportation. Djokovic was deported on Sunday after losing a visa battle that centered on the fact that he is unvaccinated. Under the Australian immigration laws, Djokovic can’t be granted another visa for three years.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could be allowed entry sooner under the “right circumstances. [The ban] does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for them to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time,” he said in an interview on Monday.
Australian law does provide for compelling or compassionate reasons for the three-year visa ban to be waived. This would potentially allow Djokovic to take part in the Australian Open tournament next year.
This year’s tournament, which has been overshadowed by the unvaccinated player’s visa troubles, began in Melbourne on Monday.
Sources: BBC, ESPN
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