(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Plans Large-Scale Skilled Workforce Deployment for Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034
Pakistan is planning to train and deploy between 300,000 and 400,000 workers for upcoming development projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities.
According to official documents, workforce development strategies are being aligned with expected demand in sectors such as infrastructure, aviation, tourism, and related services between 2026 and 2034.
The initiative is part of a broader national plan to strengthen Pakistan’s presence in international labour markets and increase the export of skilled manpower.
Skills Development and Overseas Employment Growth
Recent data shows that more than 215,000 workers received soft-skills training during July–March of FY2025–26 to improve workplace readiness and global employability.
In 2025, over 760,000 Pakistani workers were registered for overseas employment through official channels, reflecting continued demand for Pakistani manpower abroad.
Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination, accounting for a major share of overseas job placements, followed by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as the United Arab Emirates.
Remittances and Economic Importance
Overseas employment continues to play an important role in Pakistan’s economy, with remittances serving as one of the country’s key sources of foreign exchange.
Millions of Pakistanis have worked abroad over the past several decades, primarily in Gulf countries, contributing significantly to household incomes and national financial inflows.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Pakistan is also working to expand labour cooperation with countries beyond the Gulf region. Discussions under migration and mobility frameworks with European countries, including Italy, Germany, and Greece, aim to create additional opportunities for skilled workers.
Some European countries have already announced seasonal and skilled labour quotas for Pakistani workers as part of bilateral arrangements.
Digital Reform in Recruitment
To improve transparency and efficiency, the government is introducing digital systems for overseas employment management. These include online verification tools, biometric integration, and job-matching platforms designed to streamline recruitment processes.
Officials say these reforms are intended to modernize labour migration systems and improve access to international job opportunities for Pakistani workers.
Outlook
The long-term strategy focuses on enhancing skills training, improving employment systems, and expanding global labour mobility to support economic growth and increase high-value employment opportunities for Pakistan’s workforce.
