Saudi Arabia May Offer Up to 400,000 New Jobs for Pakistani Workers Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034

Riyadh: Pakistani skilled workers and job seekers could benefit from a significant employment opportunity as Saudi Arabia is expected to create up to 400,000 jobs linked to major construction and development projects being undertaken in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

According to media reports, demand for workers is expected to begin in 2026 and continue through 2034 as the Kingdom accelerates infrastructure, tourism, aviation, and hospitality projects associated with hosting the global sporting event.

Pakistan has reportedly set a target of preparing and exporting between 300,000 and 400,000 trained workers to Saudi Arabia to meet the anticipated labor demand. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding overseas employment opportunities and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the international labor market.

Officials are said to be aligning workforce planning and vocational training programs with the expected requirements of FIFA World Cup-related projects. The focus is on equipping Pakistani workers with modern technical skills to enable them to secure employment in sectors such as construction, infrastructure development, aviation, tourism, and related services.

Reports indicate that a comprehensive government-led planning process is currently underway to provide specialized training and certification to workers before their deployment abroad. Under the proposed plan, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis could gain access to employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia over the coming years.

Saudi Arabia already remains the largest and most preferred overseas employment destination for Pakistani workers. In 2025, a record 530,256 Pakistanis reportedly traveled to the Kingdom for employment, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all registered overseas workers from Pakistan.

The anticipated recruitment drive beginning in 2026 is expected not only to create substantial employment opportunities for Pakistani youth but also to contribute significantly to foreign exchange inflows through workers’ remittances, providing a boost to Pakistan’s economy.