Fifteen foreign workers linked to EKAA HRIM Resource Management have opted to remain and continue working in Guyana, even as the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning continues investigations into a series of complaints raised against the company operating in Batavia, Region Seven.
In a statement issued Friday, the ministry said it has already secured employment opportunities for the 15 workers and is advancing the process for their work permits.
The ministry said it has been actively engaging 37 employees of the company following concerns over withheld passports, outstanding wages, alleged withholding of monies, repatriation arrangements, and occupational safety and health conditions at the quarry operation.
Regarding the passport issue, the ministry said workers initially reported that their travel documents were being withheld by the company. However, the company maintained that the passports were voluntarily lodged for safekeeping.
According to the ministry, the company later submitted ledger records showing occasions when workers uplifted their passports to conduct personal transactions, including obtaining driver’s licences, opening bank accounts, and remitting money to relatives in India, before returning the documents to the company.
The ministry stated that the matter has since been resolved and all workers are now in possession of their passports.
On the issue of wages, the ministry confirmed that all employees received their outstanding April salaries along with payments owed up to May 16, 2026. The company reportedly provided proof of bank transfers and payment breakdowns to ministry officials.
Workers had also claimed that a sum of US$`2,500 was owed to them. However, after examining employment contracts presented by the workers, ministry officials found no evidence supporting claims that monies were being unlawfully withheld.
The ministry explained that 11 workers possessed contracts stating that US`$2,500 would be deducted and paid as a bonus at the end of the contractual period. However, those agreements referenced the laws of Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates rather than Guyanese law.
The remaining 26 workers were employed under agreements providing for lower wages during an initial six-month probationary period, with increased salaries after confirmation of employment from the seventh month onward.
“In the circumstances, there was no evidence to support the contention that the monies were being withheld from the workers,” the ministry stated.
Meanwhile, the company indicated a willingness to repatriate workers with three months or less remaining on their contracts despite what it described as contractual breaches by some employees.
The ministry said five workers fall within that category and discussions are ongoing regarding arrangements for their return home.
Another 17 workers are still being engaged through the Indian High Commission and other stakeholders regarding repatriation. Authorities also noted that assistance remains available should those workers choose to remain employed in Guyana.
The ministry further disclosed that several occupational safety and health complaints were raised by workers at the quarry site. Investigations were carried out and recommendations issued to company management to address the concerns.
Officials said the ministry remains engaged to ensure the company complies fully with occupational safety and health standards.
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all workers in Guyana, both local and foreign.
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