Pakistan is preparing to train and deploy up to 400,000 workers for large-scale development projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is part of broader workforce planning aligned with expected labor demand in the Kingdom over the coming years.
According to official documents, the planned deployment will cover multiple sectors including infrastructure, aviation, tourism, construction, and allied services. The hiring and training process is expected to take place between 2026 and 2034, depending on project requirements.
The move is part of Pakistan’s wider strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and improve the skill level of its workforce for global job markets. Authorities estimate that around 300,000 to 400,000 workers could be trained and sent abroad to meet anticipated demand.
Data shows that overseas employment remains a key pillar of Pakistan’s labor policy. During July–March FY2025-26, approximately 215,719 workers received soft skills training to improve productivity and international employability standards.
In 2025 alone, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment registered 762,499 workers for overseas jobs. Since 1972, more than 15 million Pakistanis have been sent abroad for employment through official channels across more than 50 countries, with the Gulf region remaining the dominant destination.
Saudi Arabia continues to be the largest employer of Pakistani workers, receiving over 530,000 workers in 2025 alone. As part of its Vision 2030 development plan, the Kingdom is expected to generate further demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor, particularly in construction and service sectors linked to major international events.
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