RIYADH (Kashmir English): An exciting development for Pakistanis planning to work abroad, as Saudi Arabia is set to open its doors to more Pakistani workers following the historic defense pact signed last month. Pakistan aims to double its workforce exports to the Kingdom.
As of mid-2025, around 500k Pakistanis head to Arab nations each year. But with the new agreements in place, that number is expected to soar to one million starting next year, according to officials from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE).
Remittances from Saudi Arabia have already been booming, rising from $7.39 billion in 2020 to an estimated $8.59 billion in 2024, which is a significant sign of high demand for Pakistani labor.
Kingdom’s Vision 2030 mega-projects and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup are fueling the need for workers in construction, hospitality, healthcare, and delivery services.
The Pakistani government is also rolling out exciting new measures to make working in Saudi Arabia easier. Under this, technical training institutes will boost skills and certifications, and they proposed a fast-track e-visa system for Pakistani workers.
Furthermore, partnerships with NAVTTC and Takamol will certify workers in 62 skilled trades.
Officials called it a golden opportunity for Pakistani workers, saying overseas employment brings home remittances, skills, and experience.
KSA remains the largest destination for Pakistani workers and the top source of remittances, with $736.7 million sent home in August alone. Meanwhile, labor demand in other Gulf countries is shifting, giving Pakistani workers a prime advantage in the Kingdom.
