The first flights arrived on Tuesday after the Australian and New Zealand governments both initiated assisted departures for their nationals in New Caledonia. The evacuations follow the protests and political unrest in the French Territory that has seen at least four deaths, nearly 200 arrests and multiple injuries.

New Zealand Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, confirmed the impending departure of the first evacuation flight to New Zealand in a press release on Tuesday. The release notes that, “The situation in New Caledonia remains dynamic, and New Zealand officials are continuing to work with French counterparts and other partners, especially Australia to understand what is needed to ensure the safety of our people there.”

The Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, similarly announced clearance for two assisted-departure flights from New Caledonia. The first flight to Brisbane also arrived on Tuesday as Australians in New Caledonia are urged to register with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs. Wong shared images on X of the first 108 Australians arriving and announced that the “French authorities have advised they will conduct flights to enable the safe departure of foreign tourists from New Caledonia, commencing tomorrow.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a state of emergency amid the riots which resulted from a proposed constitutional amendment allowing French residents (who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years) to vote in local elections and the effect it may have on further marginalisation of the indigenous Kanak people.

The Associated Press reported French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to New Caledonia late on Tuesday.