Unvaccinated Tennis Star Denied Entry for Australian Open

Earlier this week, tennis player Novak Djokovic was denied entry to participate in the Australian Open. According to NBC News, Australian authorities barred the highest-ranking player from entry for failing to meet Covid-19 requirements. Djokovic is waiting to hear back about their decision while quarantining at an immigration detention hotel.

The Concern of Unvaccinated Travel

There has been ample uncertainty for immigrants hoping to travel unvaccinated. An immigration lawyer would emphasize that most international travelers should be fully vaccinated from Covid in 2022. Those who are not will need to test negative 24 hours before departure.

What happened to Djokovic is no surprise. He was immediately detained when Australian authorities found out he was traveling with “exempt permission” against the vaccine. Even though there is a rise in cases, the tennis star legally does not have to comply with their requirements. Simultaneously, Australian authorities do not have to let him in with strict mandates.

Special Treatment

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison feels exemptions are a form of special treatment and unfair to other Australians and players. According to NPR, in the state where the tournament is located, there are over 48,000 positive Covid cases. While most civilians have gotten vaccinated, new variants continue to spread. Djokovic’s presence would come with complications.

The decision to grant the exemption came after a lengthy review process. Players granted the travel pass must get verified by the government and tennis agency, proving the player has a medical condition that the vaccine would impact. Djokovic has since voiced his skepticism of the Covid-19 vaccine, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel.”

Have Questions? Give Us a Call

If you have questions regarding vaccination status, immigration, or travel you can always reach out to our law offices of immigration.