Workers’ statements taken as inter-ministerial investigation into treatment of migrant workers continues

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith on Wednesday said the investigation into allegations by 38 Indian nationals who claim they were subjected to poor working and living conditions while employed at a quarry operation in Region Seven is still ongoing.

The minister told reporters at the sidelines of an event that even as the investigation is being conducted, the company, Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources denied the allegation.

Importantly the minister said the investigation now involves his ministry and the Ministries of Human Services and Home Affairs because of the seriousness and scope of the claims, which include allegations of withheld passports, unsafe working conditions, outstanding payments and other labour violations.

“This is an inter-ministerial approach we’re taking because every part of it doesn’t fall within my ministry,” Griffith said.

Griffith said the matter was being treated with “the utmost attention and urgency.”

The minister said labour officials, accompanied by the Indian High Commissioner, met with all 38 workers on Monday and obtained statements from them as part of the ongoing probe. This was following an investigative team which was deployed to the area at the weekend.

He also confirmed that representatives of EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management were summoned to a meeting during which the ministry demanded the immediate return of the workers’ passports. As such, the passports were returned but the company maintains its innocence in the situation.

According to Griffith, investigators are examining workers’ contracts, safety conditions, living arrangements and allegations of unpaid salaries and overtime. The company, he said, was given 24 hours to provide documents and other information requested by investigators and has since complied. He did not disclose the preliminary findings.

Griffith stressed repeatedly that the investigation remains ongoing and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions before all the facts are established.

“It is our responsibility to listen to both sides and investigate,” he said.

He disclosed that the company has denied allegations relating to unsafe working conditions and the alleged retention of workers’ passports.

“It’s important for me to say that they have denied there was any retention of the passports,” Griffith said.

Asked whether the alleged withholding of passports could amount to trafficking in persons, the minister said he could not make such a determination without evidence gathered during the investigation.

“I’m not going to make an allegation of human trafficking without information. That would be irresponsible,” he said.

Griffith also declined to comment extensively on claims that workers were owed salaries. He said the company had provided explanations for some outstanding payments and additional information was being reviewed.