The Immigration Department has been authorised by the Central People's Government to handle Chinese nationality applications from Hong Kong residents with effect from July 1, 1997. Applications can be made either by post or in person. With effect from February 1, 2000, those from overseas can be made through the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular missions. Under the law, Hong Kong residents of Chinese descent born in Chinese territories (including Hong Kong) are Chinese nationals, regardless of whether they hold a foreign passport. Those who want to be treated as foreign nationals in the HKSAR must make a declaration of change of nationality to the Immigration Department. During the year, the Immigration Department received 72 applications for declaration of change of nationality, 560 applications for naturalisation as Chinese nationals, 67 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and 53 applications for restoration of Chinese nationality.