Pakistan aims to train and deploy 300,000 to 400,000 workers for projects linked to Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034, according to Wealth Pakistan.
The workforce plan covers expected demand from 2026 to 2034. Officials expect Pakistani workers to support infrastructure, aviation, tourism and related service sectors.
The initiative forms part of Pakistan’s wider labour-export strategy. The government wants to expand overseas employment and improve the skills profile of Pakistani workers.
During July-March FY2025-26, 215,719 workers received soft-skills training focused on adaptability, productivity and global employability.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment registered 762,499 workers for overseas employment in 2025. Since 1972, more than 15 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for work through official channels.
More than 96% of Pakistani workers leaving through official channels work in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remain the main destinations.
Saudi Arabia received 530,256 Pakistani workers in 2025. That made up 69.54% of total overseas employment registrations during the year.
Read: Pakistan FIFA ASEAN Cup Entry Confirmed For 2026 Event
Official documents said Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme had increased demand in infrastructure, construction and services. Pakistan is also seeking labour links beyond the Gulf.
Under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, Italy announced a quota of 10,500 Pakistani workers over three years. The quota covers both seasonal and non-seasonal workers.
The government is developing the Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework to link 14 stakeholders. It has also operationalised the Digital HR Pool for biometric verification, job matching and transparent recruitment.
