Saudi Arabia To Hire More Pakistani Workers
Saudi Arabia is set to welcome a higher number of Pakistani workers as both nations expand cooperation following the historic defense agreement signed last month.
Officials at the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment said Pakistan plans to double its manpower exports to the Kingdom in response to rising labor demand.
Nearly 500,000 Pakistanis currently travel to Arab states each year for work, but that figure is expected to reach one million by mid-2026 under the new framework.
Saudi remittances to Pakistan have also increased sharply, climbing from 7.39 billion dollars in 2020 to 8.59 billion dollars in 2024, reflecting strong labor demand.
Analysts attribute this growth to the KSA Vision 2030 projects and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which require more workers across several key sectors.
Major employment opportunities are emerging in construction, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics, creating a strong incentive for skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers.
Read More: Saudi Crown Prince to Visit Pakistan Before Year-End
To meet this demand, Pakistan is strengthening technical training programs and launching fast-track e-visa procedures to simplify recruitment for Saudi employers.
The government is also partnering with NAVTTC and Takamol to certify laborers in 62 specialized trades, ensuring their eligibility for overseas job placements.
Officials described this phase as a golden opportunity for Pakistanis, saying overseas employment supports remittance inflows, skill development, and economic resilience.
The kingdom remains the largest destination for Pakistani labor and the top source of remittances, sending over 736 million dollars in August 2025 alone.
It was reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to visit Pakistan this year with final arrangements being completed by respective foreign ministries.
According to diplomatic sources, several important agreements are likely to be signed during the visit, covering economic cooperation, defense partnerships, and investment opportunities.
