Snoop Dogg’s Australian tour looks set to go ahead after the Department of Immigration and Citizenship approved his visa.
The American rapper, whose real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, earlier this year applied for a visa for next month’s planned tour with fellow hip-hop star Ice Cube.
After investigating his prior criminal record, the department has approved his visa on the condition he undertakes counselling before arriving.
“Given his criminal record, the department undertook a full character assessment of Snoop Dogg’s criminal history and previous conduct before making a decision on his visa application,” a departmental spokesman said.
“In making this decision, the department weighed his criminal convictions against his previous behaviour while in Australia, recent conduct – including charity work – and any likely risk to the Australian community.
“We took into account all relevant factors and, on balance, the department decided to grant the visa.”
The department says the visa will be cancelled if Snoop fails to abide by the law during his visit to Australia.
In April 2007, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship banned Snoop from entering the country to co-host the MTV Australian Video Awards when he failed a character test after he pleaded no contest to gun and drug charges in the US.
