Pakistan targets 400,000 trained workers for FIFA World Cup 2034

Pakistan is preparing to train and deploy between 300,000 and 400,000 workers for projects associated with the FIFA World Cup 2034. This ambitious plan is a core component of the government's broader strategy to expand overseas employment opportunities and solidify Pakistan's standing in international labor markets.

Official documents reveal that workforce planning is being meticulously aligned with the anticipated demands of the 2034 World Cup. Trained Pakistani workers are expected to contribute to infrastructure development, aviation, tourism, and related service sectors between 2026 and 2034. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to increasing manpower exports and elevating the skill profile of Pakistani workers for global employment.

During July-March of the 2025-26 fiscal year, 215,719 workers underwent soft-skills training designed to improve their adaptability, productivity, and employability abroad. Overseas employment remains a critical pillar of Pakistan's labor market strategy. In 2025 alone, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment registered 762,499 workers for overseas jobs, with over 15 million Pakistanis having secured employment in more than 50 countries through official channels since 1972.

The majority of Pakistani workers, over 96 percent, find employment in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, primarily Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These overseas workers are vital to the national economy, with their remittances serving as a major source of foreign exchange earnings. Saudi Arabia continues to be the top destination, attracting 530,256 Pakistani workers in 2025, representing 69.54 percent of total registrations. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 program has spurred demand for skilled labor in infrastructure, construction, and services.

Beyond the Gulf, Pakistan is actively pursuing labor mobility partnerships. The Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue is fostering cooperation with European nations, including Italy, which has allocated a quota of 10,500 seasonal and non-seasonal workers. Germany and Greece are also progressing toward formal labor cooperation agreements. Concurrently, Pakistan is modernizing its emigration processes through digital initiatives like the Pakistan Emigrant Management Framework and the Digital HR Pool system, aiming to streamline recruitment and verification.