Pakistan aims to deploy 400,000 workers for Saudi FIFA World Cup 2034

Pakistan is targeting the training and deployment of 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034, which will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the country's position in international labour markets.

Pakistan is targeting the training and deployment of 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034, which will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s position in international labour markets.

According to official documents, workforce planning is being aligned with anticipated demand arising from the mega-event, with trained Pakistani workers expected to support infrastructure development, aviation, tourism, and related service sectors between 2026 and 2034. The initiative forms part of the government’s wider efforts to boost manpower exports and enhance the skills profile of Pakistani workers for overseas employment.

The World Cup 2034 presents a massive opportunity for Pakistan’s labour force. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme has already expanded opportunities in infrastructure, construction, and services sectors, creating a growing demand for skilled manpower. The tournament is expected to accelerate these trends, requiring thousands of workers for stadium construction, transportation networks, hospitality services, and event management.

During July-March FY2025-26, a total of 215,719 workers received soft-skills training aimed at improving adaptability, productivity, and global employability. The government is investing in upskilling programmes to ensure that Pakistani workers meet the quality standards demanded by Saudi employers and international contractors.

The documents indicate that overseas employment remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s labour market strategy. During 2025, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment registered 762,499 workers for overseas employment, while more than 15 million Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment in over 50 countries through official channels since 1972.

More than 96 per cent of Pakistani workers proceeding abroad through official channels are employed in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia retained its position as the leading destination for Pakistani workers in 2025, receiving 530,256 workers, accounting for 69.54 per cent of total overseas employment registrations during the year.

These overseas workers contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, which remain one of Pakistan’s major sources of foreign exchange earnings after exports.

Pakistan is also expanding labour mobility partnerships beyond the Gulf region. Under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, the country has been engaging with European partners on legal migration and workforce cooperation. Italy has announced a quota of 10,500 seasonal and non-seasonal workers for Pakistan over a three-year period, while Germany and Greece have shown progress toward formalising labour cooperation arrangements focused on skilled workers.

The government is simultaneously modernising the emigration process through digital initiatives, including the Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework and the Digital HR Pool system, which integrates biometric verification, job matching, and transparent recruitment mechanisms. Continued investment in skills development and labour market reforms is aimed at enabling Pakistan to capitalise on emerging global opportunities while creating higher-skilled and higher-value employment pathways for its workforce.