The government is set to pay influencers on TikTok to post content deterring migrants from crossing the English Channel.

For the past three years, the Home Office has been using social media to target people who might attempt crossings in Albania, France and Belgium.

But now Home Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed the government is looking to expand the scheme to several new countries including Vietnam, Iraq and Egypt, with mass campaigns taking place there, as well as in Albania. There are also plans to target India and Turkey.

According to The Times, a shortlist of influencers drawn up in Albania include two comedians, lifestyle bloggers and TV personalities, chosen for their appeal to young men.

A Home Office spokesperson explained: “People smugglers frequently use social media to peddle lies and promote their criminal activities, and it is vital that we utilise the same platforms to inform migrants about the truths about crossing the Channel and coming to the UK illegally.

“The relentless action we have taken reduced crossings by 36% last year, which saw similar weather conditions to 2022.

“We make no apologies for using every means necessary to stop the boats and save lives.”

The idea of the campaign is to educate prospective migrants, and their support networks, about the risks and repercussions of dangerous travel to the UK.

The current model in Albania claims to have reached more than 946,000 people and resulted in crossings from the county dropping by 90% last year.

It also works by showing people what opportunities are available in their home country as a deterrence for entering the UK.

As well as targeting more countries, the Home Office says it will step up action by looking at ways it can reach more people through a multi-lingual deterrence website, paid and organic social media, radio adverts, media coverage, as well as influencer content including TikTok.