The UK government seems to think every way to stop illegal immigration. To warn people who intend to undertake crossing the English Channel in small boats, it seems that the British authorities are willing to pay Albanian influencers on TikTok.
This type of scheme has previously been used in France and Belgium for several years, but Home Secretary James Cleverly has decided to expand the policy. Albania, Iraq, Egypt and Vietnam will be included there. The plan is to include Turkey and India.
According to what the British media write, the list of candidates who should warn immigrants not to take this dangerous trip includes a rapper, two comedians, a lifestyle blogger, television personalities and a travel writer.
"They are reported to have been chosen because of their ability to motivate young people, who are the largest group of migrants crossing the channel," writes LBC.
According to the documents, influencers can receive payments of up to 5 thousand pounds. Meanwhile, the budget for Albanian influencers is set at 30 thousand pounds. While in Vietnam and Egypt this budget is 15 thousand pounds.
"Human traffickers use social media to spread lies and promote their criminal activities. It is vital that we use the same platforms to inform migrants of the truth about crossing the channel and coming to the UK illegally," said a Home Office spokesman.