EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management Inc. has announced that all outstanding wages for April and May 2026 have been fully processed and settled. However, the company stated that the former workers would need to cover their own return travel expenses to India.
The company confirmed that there are no outstanding wage or salary obligations owed to any of the 37 employees mentioned in recent allegations. All payments due to these individuals have been accounted for and settled in full, according to a company statement.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed indicated that the workers are still claiming they are owed a US$2,500 security deposit and have not received information regarding their return airfares to India. He noted that the workers are seeking fairness, accountability, and the return of their outstanding funds, as well as arrangements for their safe return home.
In response to inquiries through the public relations firm Tagman Media, EKAA HRIM stated that according to the employment contracts signed by the employees, if an employee voluntarily terminates or abandons the contract, the responsibility for arranging and covering the cost of airfare or repatriation falls on the employee.
Regarding the US$2,500 security deposit, the company clarified that there is no provision for such a deposit in the employment contract. The contract includes a completion bonus provision, which allows employees to be eligible for a benefit upon successful completion of their contractual term and fulfillment of contract conditions.
EKAA HRIM reported that wage payments were completed on May 25, 2026, ahead of the previously communicated timeline, and the Ministry of Labour was formally notified after the payment process was completed. The company reiterated its commitment to fair labor practices and timely compensation for all staff members.
Following Mr. Mohamed’s public disclosure of the workers’ situation, their passports were returned after intervention by Labour Minister Keoma Griffith. The company denied allegations of trafficking in persons, stating that the workers had requested the company to hold their passports for safekeeping.
EKAA HRIM has also addressed claims of poor food and living conditions, providing evidence that the workers’ social security deductions were being remitted to the National Insurance Scheme. However, company representatives faced questions regarding the combination of salary and overtime into a single payment, as well as the requirement for workers to complete a 72-hour work week, including 12-hour days, and work on holidays and weekends.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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