A new report by China Labor Watch examines the labour conditions of Chinese migrant workers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) amid increasing Chinese investment since the 2013 Belt and Road Initiative. The study reveals systemic labour rights violations and challenging living conditions faced by these workers, particularly those employed by Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Key findings include autocratic and abusive management practices, excessive working hours, restrictions on personal freedom, and instances of coercion and physical violence.

A case study on Ramu Nico Management (MCC) Ltd highlights how SOEs' hierarchical structures foster corruption and lack of accountability. Workers reported limited healthcare, restricted movement, and repression of attempts to organize for better conditions.

In August, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Ramu Nico Management's parent company China Minmetals Corporation to respond to the allegations mentioned in the report. It did not. Ramu Nico Management (MCC) Ltd. could not be reached.