The immigration department says rapper Snoop Dogg has been granted a visa to enter Australia for a concert tour after concluding a full character assessment of the entertainer.
The department had earlier expressed concern about Snoop Dogg's criminal record but took into account the fact that he had traveled to Australia three times without incident.
The department said in a statement on Friday it weighed his criminal convictions against his previous behaviour while in Australia, recent conduct, including charity work, and any likely risk to the Australian community when making the decision.
It said the rapper, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, has committed to doing charity work with at-risk youth during his visit to Australia.
Snoop Dogg was refused permission to even apply for a visa to enter Australia in 2007 because of his criminal record, sinking plans for him to co-host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards.
Australian immigration officials last month cleared an October visit, but then demanded more information after a spate of public complaints from Australian victims of crime groups.
"We took into account all relevant factors and, on balance, the department decided to grant the visa," an immigration spokesman said.
Oscar-winning Australian actor Russell Crowe this week wrote a letter to immigration officials to support Snoop Dogg's visa application and 17-day "Smoked Out" tour.
"I submit to you that Snoop Dogg poses no threat to Australia or to any individual in this country," Crowe wrote.
The spokesman said the visa will be canceled if Snoop failed to abide by the law during his visit to Australia and strict behaviour rules to abide by while in the country.
He has also been denied entry to Britain.
Source: Rob Taylor, Bill Tarrant & The Press Association
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