Pakistan plans up to 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is aiming to train and deploy between 300,000 and 400,000 workers for projects linked to the FIFA World Cup 2034 under a broader plan to expand overseas employment and improve the country’s standing in global labour markets.

Workforce planning is being aligned with expected demand tied to the tournament, with trained Pakistani workers projected to contribute to infrastructure, aviation, tourism and related services from 2026 to 2034. The initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to increase manpower exports and raise the skills profile of Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad.

Training and overseas employment

The documents show that during July-March FY2025-26, as many as 215,719 workers received soft-skills training intended to improve adaptability, productivity and employability in international markets. Overseas employment remains a central component of Pakistan’s labour market strategy.

In 2025, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment registered 762,499 workers for overseas jobs. Since 1972, more than 15 million Pakistanis have gone abroad for employment in over 50 countries through official channels.

The documents state that more than 96 per cent of Pakistani workers leaving through official channels are employed in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These workers make a major contribution to the economy through remittances, which remain one of Pakistan’s main sources of foreign exchange after exports.

Saudi Arabia remains the main destination

Saudi Arabia remained the top destination for Pakistani workers in 2025, receiving 530,256 workers, or 69.54 per cent of all overseas employment registrations during the year. The documents link growing demand for skilled manpower to opportunities created by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme in infrastructure, construction and services.

Expanding beyond the Gulf

The documents also indicate that Pakistan is seeking to widen labour mobility partnerships outside the Gulf region. Under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, the country has been engaging European partners on legal migration and workforce cooperation.

Italy has announced a quota of 10,500 seasonal and non-seasonal workers for Pakistan over three years. The documents also note progress by Germany and Greece towards formal labour cooperation arrangements focused on skilled workers.

Digital reforms in the emigration system

At the same time, the government is working to modernise the emigration process through digital systems. The Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework is being developed to connect 14 relevant stakeholders and simplify overseas employment procedures through online verification. In parallel, the Digital HR Pool system has been made operational to integrate biometric verification, job matching and transparent recruitment mechanisms.

Continued investment in skills development, overseas employment facilitation and labour market reforms is intended to help Pakistan benefit from emerging international opportunities while creating higher-skilled and higher-value employment avenues for its workforce.