Pakistan is preparing to train and deploy between 300,000 and 400,000 workers for projects associated with the FIFA World Cup 2034, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This initiative was reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on June 21, citing documents from the financial platform Wealth Pakistan.
Strategic Workforce Planning
The APP report states that Pakistan is aligning its workforce planning with anticipated demand from the World Cup. Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation to host the tournament, following Qatar's 2022 edition. The deployment is part of a broader strategy to expand overseas employment and strengthen Pakistan's position in international labor markets.
Trained Pakistani workers are expected to support infrastructure development, aviation, tourism, and related service sectors in the Kingdom between 2026 and 2034. This move aims to boost manpower exports and enhance workers' skills for overseas employment.
Remittances and Economic Impact
Thousands of Pakistani expatriates live and work in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, repatriating billions of dollars annually, which serves as a crucial source of foreign exchange for Pakistan. During July 2025 to March 26, 215,719 Pakistani workers received soft-skills training to improve adaptability, productivity, and global employability, according to APP.
In 2025, Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) registered 762,499 workers for overseas employment. Since 1972, more than 15 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for employment through official channels.
Digital Modernization of Emigration
APP reported that Islamabad is simultaneously modernizing the emigration process through digital initiatives. A Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework is being developed to connect 14 relevant stakeholders and streamline overseas employment procedures via online verification systems.
