iPhone SE Replacement be Unlocked?

[iPad Retina]

Hi i sent in my iPhone SE for a repair and is now being repaired, the phone was originally purchased in Hong Kong and has been unlocked. I've asking several Apple Support staff, and two Apple Stores giving me mixed answers. Ive been told by everyone that the phone being replaced will be unlocked as i sent in my original phone unlocked. Now, talking to an apple support staff, they say the phone will be locked to the carrier again, since the phone was purchased in Hong Kong. Thats the policy.

Will i receive a locke diphone SE back or a unlocked one?

The phone was originally purchased in Hong Kong from Smartone Mobile and has been unlocked

 

[C DM]

Has it been unlocked through official channels? Typically the replacement phone should the the same type as the one that it is replacing as it is at the time of replacement.