Labour Ministry probes abuse of foreign workers, passports returned
May 18 2026
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched an investigation into serious allegations surrounding the treatment of foreign workers employed by mining company Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, Region Seven.
According to the Ministry, the probe was initiated over the weekend following reports of possible labour and occupational safety and health violations involving foreign nationals attached to the company.
The matter has since escalated to high-level engagement, with Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, meeting on Monday morning with Acting High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Manoj Kumar, ahead of discussions with thirty-eight Indian nationals employed at the mining operation.
The Ministry said the meeting between government officials, the workers and the company’s management provided an opportunity for the employees to formally air their grievances. Among the concerns raised was the alleged withholding of workers’ passports. However, following intervention by Minister Griffith, the passports were reportedly returned to the workers.
Authorities said additional allegations of poor working conditions and unfair treatment were also made against the employer. As a result, Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources has been given twenty-four hours to respond to the claims.
The Ministry noted that investigations will continue into allegations relating to wages, working conditions and the overall welfare of the workers. Officials are also examining reports surrounding the death of a worker on May 12, 2026, which has now become part of the wider investigation.
A joint team comprising officers from the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, the Guyana Police Force, the Trafficking in Persons Unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies has since been mobilised to conduct inquiries and assess the situation on the ground.
The Ministry says it remains actively engaged in the matter and has pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the laws of Guyana, while further updates are expected as investigations progress.
