Snoop Dogg’s Australian tour has officially been green lighted by the country’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship it was announced today (September 12).
As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, Snoop Dogg is now able to tour the country with fellow gangster rap pioneer Ice Cube and a recently reunited Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
In 2007, Snoop Dogg, born Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. was not permitted to enter the country to host MTV’s Australian Video Awards ceremony, due to his past criminal record.
After a full character assessment, the government has decided to issue the rap star a Visa to enter the country.
“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 spokesman said in a statement.
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.”
If Snoop runs into any trouble on the tour, the Visa will be revoked immediately and he will be deported from the country.
McManus, who has already paid out over $1.2 million dollars to package the tour, had already paid Snoop Dogg a deposit of $600,000.
He lashed out at the government’s last minute reconsideration of the rapper’s immigration status.
“There is no basis for this review. The department has given his visit the all-clear – all this does is hurt my business and the 4000 Australians who would get work from the tour,” McManus said.