When it is "inconvenient", "unnecessary", or not permitted to issue a People's Republic of China passport to Chinese nationals.[118] Chinese nationals residing in Mainland China who lost their passport while travelling abroad may apply for this document as an emergency passport for returning to China. Chinese nationals who are permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau intending to enter Mainland China directly from other countries without a Home Return Permit. Residents of the Taiwan area[lower-alpha 12] intending to enter Mainland China or Hong Kong directly from other countries, who are Chinese nationals according to Chinese law.