Britain has reaffirmed its commitment to the Hongkongers it “repatriated” under a bespoke migration pathway, but it remains unclear how the scheme will be affected by what London has called “the most significant reform” to its immigration system.

Consultations will be announced later this week to discuss the proposed changes to make asylum seekers wait 20 years, up from the current five-year requirement, before they can permanently settle in the United Kingdom.

Despite a British member of parliament saying some Hongkongers were worried their pathway to permanent residency was “at risk”, UK authorities have yet to clarify whether the changes would affect the programme.

Unveiling plans to tighten its immigration policy on Monday, the Labour government pledged to support those “who are truly fleeing peril” while stressing that the new “safe and legal” migration routes would not affect the country’s existing commitments.

London also pledged to roll out new “safe and legal routes” on humanitarian grounds, saying the country would support those in need and uphold its commitments to Hongkongers.