09 October 2008

Busta Ryhmes thanks Home Office for UK entry

The American hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes thanked his lawyers and the Home Office last week for allowing him through customs, reports Entertainment and Showbiz.

Busta Rhymes was detained in the London City Airport when he flew from America to play at a charity gig in London.  Rhymes was detained for 12 hours before a High Court judge ordered his release, reports the Guardian, in time to perform a free charity gig for RockCorps in London.

Immigration officials in London say his "unresolved convictions" in America meant they could not allow him to enter England.  However, organisers of the event said the artist has his necessary UK work permit and has already entered the country twice already this year. 

The performing artist showed gratitude to his lawyers and everyone involved in getting him access to the UK in time for the gig in front of the thousands-strong audience.

"[I would like to thank] every individual who fought in the immigration (authorities) to make sure I came through. It was not only people who work in immigration who got me through, but we had people in the counter terrorist organisation involved to ensure this show went ahead," Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

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The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in UK visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, UK Visa Bureau.