The European Union (EU) Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has said that the proposed return hubs for rejected asylum seekers must comply with fundamental rights laws and must not become rights-free zones. The EU is considering establishing return hubs in non-EU countries as temporary facilities for asylum seekers whose applications in the EU were denied and who are awaiting deportation to their home countries. In a position paper released yesterday, the FRA issued a pointed warning to the Commission, insisting any project to establish return hubs must come with strong safeguards to guarantee lawful and dignified treatment. The paper said, that even if located outside the EU, these return facilities must adhere to fundamental rights safeguards under EU law, and member states would remain accountable for rights violations at the hubs and during any transfers. FRA Director Sirpa Rautio said the planned return hubs would only comply with EU law if they include robust and effective fundamental rights safeguards.