Snoop Dogg gets visa for Oz tour

Melbourne, Sept 12 : Despite a prior criminal record, Snoop Dogg has been a green signal for his Australian tour, after the Department of Immigration and Citizenship approved his visa.

After investigating his records, the department has approved the American rapper's visa on the condition that he would go for counselling before arriving.

Snoop Dogg, real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, had applied for a visa earlier this year, for his scheduled tour with fellow hip-hop star Ice Cube.

"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,'' News.com.au quoted a departmental spokesman, as saying.

The spokesman added: "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.''

However, if Snoop fails to abide by the law during his visit to Australia, says the department, his visa will be cancelled.

ANI