A UN human rights official says he is deeply troubled by new European Union migration rules governing the return of asylum seekers and migrants whose applications are rejected. According to multiple reports, the framework expands the EU’s ability to detain people more broadly while processing their return. The rules also allow EU states to establish “return hubs” or deportation-related centres outside the bloc, where individuals can be held while arrangements for removal are carried out. The UN rights chief argues that these provisions raise serious rights concerns, particularly around safeguards for detainees and the use of facilities located outside EU territory. The criticism focuses on how the rules could increase restrictions on people during the return process and how off-shore or external centres may affect oversight and transparency. The reports agree that the official’s position is one of regret and concern, rather than endorsement of the EU measures, and that the main controversy centers on detention powers and the creation of external return facilities.