Influencers on TikTok are to be paid by the British government to urge migrants not to cross the Channel in small boats.

The Home Office has run campaigns attempting to deter illegal migration in Albania, France and Belgium for the last three years, but now Home Secretary James Cleverly has agreed an expansion into several new countries.

Mass advertising campaigns will take place in Albania, Iraq, Egypt and Vietnam, with plans to also introduce them in Turkey and India, according to draft documents seen by The Times.

A shortlist of influencers drawn up in Albania reportedly includes a rapper, two comedians, lifestyle bloggers, TV personalities and a travel writer, who were chosen for their ability to appeal to young men.

The paper said the Home Office had a budget of about £30,000 to pay the Albanian influencers – which would be capped at £5,000 per person.