The first member of the NZYQ group has been sent to Nauru under the federal government's controversial plan to deport hundreds of people to the small Pacific nation.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke signed a $408 million deal to offload the group of about 350 foreign-born criminals who were released from indefinite detention after a landmark court ruling to Nauru earlier this year.

Nauru President David Adeang told his parliament on Friday that the first person had arrived under the resettlement agreement.

Burke confirmed that the first member of the group was deported to Nauru on Friday.

"Nauru confirmed last Friday that the first transfer had occurred," he said in a brief two-line statement.

"When someone's visa is cancelled, they should leave."

The NZYQ cohort refers to the gro

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