𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning says it noted w”ith serious concern”, allegations regarding the treatment of foreign workers employed at Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, Region Seven.

“Acting on information received, the Ministry over the weekend launched an investigation into the alleged labour and occupational safety and health violations involving foreign nationals employed at the location,” the Ministry said Inna statement Monday.

It noted that subsequent to the initial investigation, Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith engaged the Acting High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Manoj Kumar.

“The engagement served as a precursor to a general meeting with the thirty-eight Indian Nationals, who are attached to the mining company. This meeting held between the Ministry, aggrieved workers, and management of Ekaa Hrim provided an opportunity for the workers’ complaints to be made.”

The issue of passports was raised and as a result of the intervention made by Minister Griffith, that matter has already been rectified and the passports have been returned to the workers.

The ministry said that allegations of poor working conditions and unfair treatment were leveled against the employer, and as such, the Ministry has given Ekaa Hrim a period of twenty-four hours to issue a response.

The Ministry’s investigation will continue and allegations relating to wages, working conditions, and the general welfare of the workers will be addressed. The Ministry is also aware of allegations concerning the reported death of a worker on May 12, 2026, which will form part of the ongoing investigation.

A joint team of officers from the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Guyana Police Force, Trafficking In Persons Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant authorities has been mobilised to conduct inquiries and assess the situation.

The Ministry is actively monitoring the matter and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the laws of Guyana. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.