The Department of Labour and immigration officials on Friday met with contractors in the oil and gas sector to sensitise them about labour requirements here.
The meeting, which targeted foreign and local investors within the sector, provided participants with information on how to apply for their visitor’s visa and work permit when seeking employment in Guyana, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported. The report said that annual leave, basic salary, recruitment, severance allowance and occupational health and safety, were some of the issues raised.
The Head of Immigration and Support Services attached to the Ministry of Citizenship, Carol Lewis-Primo, highlighted the importance of persons in the business sector understanding and adhering to the laws of Guyana if they are to function effectively in the country, DPI reported.
She said that the Immigration Department is working closely with the Department of Labour to have businesses by foreign investors registered. Persons entering the country for employment purposes are recorded in a database, she said, while explaining that this will enhance access to records if a person is caught breaching the labour laws.
Meantime, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott emphasised that it is mandatory that persons understand the labour laws so that there is no breach or discrimination.
“We recognised that the work pattern is changing and it is important that the Labour Department strengthen communication with contractors for the oil and gas sector and among others. It is mandatory that we input the relevant information in our data and this must be done on a monthly basis – we need to know the amount of recruitment and change of staff within the sector,” Scott was quoted as saying.
“In order to build our human resources in Guyana, it is critical that every sector adhere to their employees’ right. The development of local content in all operations is a core element for everything we do, the inclusion of locals in every operation,” he added.
