12 September 2008

DIAC finally grant Snoop Dogg an Australian Visa

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have finally granted American rapper an Australian visa after months of deliberation.

In a statement released today by the Department, they said the artist’s criminal history, character and previous conduct in the country were all taken into account and given full assessment before a decision was reached.

"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," a departmental spokesperson said.

Snoop Dogg has entered Australia three times previously to tour the country on an Australian visa and has always abided by the conditions of his visa.  This year, he has been granted the Entertainment Visa (subclass 420), which allows overseas entertainers to work in film, television or live productions in direct or behind-the-scenes roles. 

"Mr Broadus will need to abide by Australia's laws and he will be formally counselled before his arrival about his visa conditions and our expectations relating to his conduct," the spokesman added.

According to the Department, the rapper will be partaking in youth charity work while on tour.

The pending decision of Snoop’s visa caused stress amongst high profile Australians who petitioned to DIAC to have his visa approved.  Andrew McManus, who backed the tour with $1.2 million dollars, pleaded with the Department to approve the Australian visa.  According to HipHopDX, Russell Crowe and Eddie MacGuire also supported Snoop Dogg’s campaign, after he confirmed he would be attending a charity event at Crowe’s South Sydney Rugby League Club.

"I submit to you that Snoop Dogg poses no threat to Australia or to any individual in this country," Crowe wrote in his letter to DIAC. 

"Some of our First Grade players will attend with him and he will deliver a powerful and positive message about rising through adversity, drawing on his own underprivileged background as an example.  As you can imagine, such a visit will have a phenomenal effect," he added.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for an Australia visa.

Article by Jessica Bird, Australian Visa Bureau.