GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 19, CMC – The Guyana government says it is “actively monitoring” a situation where workers employed by an Indian-based company were reportedly required to pay the company US$3,000 if fired for breaches and poor performance.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning said it “notes with serious concern allegations regarding the treatment of foreign workers” employed at Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, Region Seven.
It said that acting on information received, the Ministry has since launched “an investigation into the alleged labour and occupational safety and health violations involving foreign nationals employed at the location”.
The statement said that subsequent to the initial investigation, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith on Monday met with 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 statement said that the issue of passports was raised and as a result of the intervention made by Griffith, the matter has already been rectified and the passports have been returned to the workers.
“Allegations of poor working conditions and unfair treatment were leveled against the employer,” with the minstry giving Ekaa Hrim Tuesday 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.”
Meanwhile, the Guyana-based online publication Demerara waves said that the Indian workers were required to pay the company US$3,000 if fired for breaches and poor performance.
The oublication said that it had seen one of the contracts given to the workers which states that the company can fire the worker without notice for providing false or misleading information, breach of the code of conduct and continued unsatisfactory performance following two written warnings.
“Upon termination, employee is liable to reimburse the employer a management cost equivalent to US$3,000 as costs incurred in hiring, training and other administrative expenses,” the contract states, adding that in the dismissed worker would have to pay his own travel expenses.
Under the seven-page contract, an employee will have to pay EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management US$5,000 if he leaves the job before the end of the 24-month contract period with the company saying that amount of money is to cover expenses for hiring, training and other administrative expenses.
CMC/gt/ir/2026