As Britain tightens its immigration rules amid a growing anti-immigration sentiment, a group of Hong Kong migrants is voicing concerns that their stability will turn into renewed uncertainty.

In the immigration white paper published by the UK government in May, the settlement period required to gain permanent residency has been extended from five to 10 years, alongside stricter language and employment requirements.

Following the announcement, an online petition was launched urging the government to maintain the current rules and lower language thresholds for migrants. 

Despite officials' earlier assurances to "support Hong Kong people" in early September, the government on September 29 proposed even tighter rules for migrants.

In addition to extending the qualifying period to 10 years and enhancing language standards, applicants will now be required to maintain continuous employment, make National Insurance contributions, not to claim benefits, have a clean criminal record, and participate in volunteer work to demonstrate their "value" to the country.

According to East Week, the sister publication of The Standard, the new changes are particularly challenging for less-educated Hong Kong migrants.

Among them is a former bus driver who now relies on food delivery work for a living after failing to secure basic entry-level jobs at McDonald's due to his limited English skills. 

While current permanent residency requires a B1 level in English (equivalent to GCSE qualification), the proposed upgrade to B2 (Advanced Level qualification) would make the goal unattainable for many.

As migrants cannot access UK social benefits or withdraw their Hong Kong MPF pensions before obtaining permanent residency, the extended settlement requirement will impose a significant burden on migrant families.

With safety concerns rising in the UK, many families are reportedly considering a return to Hong Kong, which ranks sixth in global safety.

In addition to the tightened immigration policies, some political observers pointed out that the country is reviewing its extradition arrangement, which might leave national security fugitives -- including Simon Cheng Man-kit, Chung Kim-wah, Christopher Mung Siu-tat -- with no option but to face repatriation to the city.