The Immigration Department is authorised by the Central People's Government to handle Chinese nationality applications from Hong Kong residents. Applications can be made either by post or in person. With effect from February 1, 2000, overseas applications 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 108 applications for declaration of change of nationality, 1 342 applications for naturalisation as Chinese nationals, 95 applications for renunciation of Chinese nationality and 13 applications for restoration of Chinese nationality.