Novak Djokovic visa application: Star faces jail time if convicted of lying on Australian entry form

Transcripts have revealed contradictory statements from Novak Djokovic, as Australian Border Force investigate whether he provided false evidence on his entry forms.

Australian Border officials are investigating claims Novak Djokovic lied on his visa application.

Australian Border officials are investigating whether Novak Djokovic lied on his entry form for Australia.

In the latest twist to the world No 1’s visa saga it appears he made a false declaration claiming he had not travelled in the 14 days leading up to his arrival in Melbourne.

The world No 1, who on Monday won a court hearing to have the decision to cancel his visa quashed, remains in Australia as the Federal Government weighs up the option of re-detaining and deporting him.

But should Djokovic found to have made false claims on his visa application, the 20-times grand slam champion could face up to 12 months in jail, the Home Affairs website confirmed.

Australian Border officials are investigating claims Novak Djokovic lied on his visa application.

“Giving false or misleading information to the Australian Government is a serious offence. If convicted, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 12 months.”

All travellers arriving in Australia are asked if they have “travelled or will travel in the 14 days prior to your flight to Australia” and warned: “Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information.”

Djokovic ticked “No” in response to the question which appears to be in direct conflict with the timeline of his recent movements.

Giving false or misleading information to the Australian Government is a serious offence. If convicted, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 12 months.

Djokovic departed Spain, bound for Australia, on January 4th with a stopover in Dubai, according to his sworn affidavit.

This would mean Djokovic would have had to be in Spain from about 11.30pm on Dec 22 AEDT which would be 1.30pm on Dec 22 Spanish time to comply with the rules not to travel within two weeks of arriving in Australia.

Social media posts show Djokovic was pictured in Belgrade Serbia on December 25 playing tennis in the street and posing with handball star Petar Djordjic.

He was then seen playing tennis at the Soto Tennis Academy in Sotogrande southeast Spain on December 31, 2021.

Djokovic’s lawyers have been contacted for comment.

It is the latest red flag in the dramatic story which has made headlines around the world.

Djokovic declared that he tested positive for Covid on December 16 and returned a negative result on December 22.

During the period of infection he was pictured maskless in Belgrade attending events and mingling with children.

He has sparked immense backlash with many criticising his attitude towards the virus.

Djokovic is a known anti-vaxxer.

CONFLICTING STORY

There’s further intrigue to Novak saga, with revelations he may not have completed any travel documents himself, as well as giving conflicting information during his airport interrogation.

Transcripts reveal Djokovic appeared to claim the ‘Government’ prepared his Australian Travel Declaration application for him, before later saying it was his agent and then Tennis Australia.

Interview transcripts reveal conflicting information from Djokovic during airport interrogation.

Interview transcripts reveal conflicting information from Djokovic during airport interrogation.

Interview transcripts reveal conflicting information from Djokovic during airport interrogation.

Interview transcripts reveal conflicting information from Djokovic during airport interrogation.

WILL HE PLAY THE OPEN?

While it remains to be seen if Djokovic will play the Australian Open organisers can keep the Serb in the draw right up until the time of his first scheduled match.

Depending on how the draw falls, this could be as late as Tuesday’s night session.

With the number of players withdrawing because of Covid on the rise, and replacements being on standby, Djokovic will not be the only name with a question mark over it.

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios is in a race to test negative ahead of the tournament starting having confirmed he was battling Covid on Monday night.

The potentially damaging document.

Social media posts show Djokovic pictured in Serbia on December 25.

WHAT SCOMO SAYS

It comes as Scott Morrison spoke with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić about the Djokovic saga on Tuesday morning.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the pair had a “constructive call”.

Mr Morrison is understood to have explained Australia’s border policy was non-discriminatory and had a role in protecting Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We can confirm @DjokerNole is ready for @AustralianOpen if possible! pic.twitter.com/q9WJFzBU41

— SotoTennis Academy (@SotoTennis) December 31, 2021

“They both agreed to stay in contact on the issue, and to further strengthen the bilateral relationship,” a statement read.

Meanwhile, Premier Daniel Andrews said the state government had not sought to get Djokovic and other unvaccinated tennis players into the country.

Fronting the media for the first time since the saga unfolded, Mr Andrews said he didn’t want to comment on an “active situation”.

But he stressed that Victoria had not asked the Commonwealth to let people in, instead saying the situation was “quite the opposite”.

“Whether it is in the court or on the court, this tournament is bigger than any one person,” he said.

OTHER PLAYERS DEPORTED

Djokovic is not the only player to have had their entry documents questioned and rejected by the ABF.

Czech doubles player Renata Voráčová was deported earlier this week.

After leaving Australia, the 38-year-old said she backed Djokovic to play the tournament.

“It is a good thing not only for him [that Djokovic won his case against his visa cancellation],” Voráčová said.

“Hopefully he can play. Because that is what we went there for: to play tennis and not be part of any inside games.”

Voráčová was held in the same detention hotel as Djokovic before she flew out on Saturday.

I was there already for one week and since he arrived things changed,” she said.

“I am not mad at him. I am really sad that this happened.

“It’s one of the biggest tournaments. You go there and this happens. You can’t even imagine it is possible in the 21st century to happen in this country.”

Originally published as Novak Djokovic visa application: Star faces jail time if convicted of lying on Australian entry form