A group of Indian nationals gathered outside the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning on Thursday demanding payment of monies they say are owed to them by their employer so they can return to India, reigniting concerns over the treatment of foreign workers in Guyana.
Present at the protest were several parliamentarians from the opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, including party leader and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, who met with the workers and listened to their concerns outside the ministry.
The workers are among the 38 Indian nationals employed at EKAA Quarry, whose plight drew national attention last week after allegations surfaced that their passports had been confiscated, they were subjected to poor living and working conditions, and one of their colleagues died while employed at the operation.
Carrying their grievances directly to the labour authorities, the workers said they remain stranded in Guyana and are seeking intervention from the ministry to ensure they receive outstanding wages and other benefits owed to them before they leave the country.
Several of the workers expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged delays in resolving the matter, contending that many have been unable to return to their families in India because they lack the financial resources to do so without receiving their full entitlements.
Their protest comes days after allegations of labour exploitation at the quarry sparked investigations by government agencies and public concern over the treatment of migrant workers.
Guyana’s labour legislation requires employers to meet contractual obligations to workers, including the payment of wages and benefits due. The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning is responsible for investigating labour disputes and facilitating settlements between employers and employees.
Thursday’s protest underscores the workers’ contention that key issues remain unresolved despite earlier interventions. The presence of opposition parliamentarians, including Mohamed, added a political dimension to the demonstration and placed renewed attention on calls for accountability and enforcement of labour laws.
The workers are calling on labour authorities to expedite the settlement of all outstanding payments and to ensure arrangements are made for their return to India.
Up to publication time, there was no immediate indication from ministry officials regarding what steps would be taken to address the workers’ latest demands. However, the demonstration renewed focus on the broader issue of migrant worker protections in Guyana amid the country’s rapidly expanding economy and increasing reliance on foreign labour in sectors such as mining, construction and infrastructure development.
