Saudi Arabia has emerged as Pakistan’s top destination for migrant workers in recent years.
Saudi Arabia to Offer One Million Jobs to Pakistani Workers. Pakistan is preparing to double its labor exports to Saudi Arabia following a landmark defence agreement that is expected to strengthen both security and economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Defence Pact
Earlier in September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Pact in Riyadh. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared that any attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both. The move formalises decades of close relations into a powerful strategic shield.
Strengthening Defence & Security
The pact, signed at the Yamama Palace, aims to boost defence cooperation. It includes joint military exercises, advanced defence technology collaboration, and intelligence sharing. Officials said the agreement will enhance deterrence against external threats and send a strong message to adversaries.
It is pertinent to mention that in May 2025, Saudi Arabia halted the issuance of “block work visa quota” for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, until June 2025.
While in January 2025, Saudi Arabian investment mining fund acquired around 20 percent stake in the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold mine, Reko Diq, for up to $1 billion.
Sharp Rise in Worker Demand and Remittances
Saudi Arabia has emerged as Pakistan’s top destination for migrant workers in recent years. From 2020 to 2024, nearly two million Pakistanis travelled to Arab countries for work- an increase from 1.5 million during 2015 to 2019. Alongside this rise, remittances from Saudi Arabia surged from $7.39 billion in 2020 to $8.59 billion by 2024.
In August 2025 alone, workers sent back $736.7 million from Saudi Arabia. Analysts link this growing demand to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Both initiatives require massive manpower in construction, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors.
Doubling Workforce Exports by 2026
Currently, about 500,000 Pakistani workers go to Saudi Arabia each year. Officials now plan to raise that number to one million annually, starting next year. This goal forms part of a broader economic plan connected to the new defence pact.
Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council is working with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) to introduce reforms. These include proposals for new technical training institutes and an e-visa system tailored for Pakistani workers. These ideas will be presented during upcoming meetings with Saudi officials.
Worker Protection MoU Signed
As part of the wider agreement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to protect Pakistani workers’ rights. The MoU covers legal safeguards, grievance redressal, and formal labor protections under Saudi law. Observers say this agreement could boost worker confidence and encourage more Pakistanis to pursue employment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Changing Labor Dynamics in the Gulf
While Pakistan’s labor exports to Saudi Arabia are growing, trends in the rest of the Gulf are shifting. Exports to the United Arab Emirates have dropped sharply-falling 65% from 1.32 million to around 463,000 workers. In contrast, Qatar has more than doubled its intake to 170,000 Pakistani workers.
Skills Verification to Meet Demand
To meet Saudi Arabia’s need for skilled labor, Pakistan is using the Takamol skills verification program. The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission is also certifying workers across 62 trade categories, ranging from construction and electrical work to mechanical services. This ensures that workers are properly trained and matched to job roles, reducing complaints and improving efficiency.
Strategic Ties Beyond Remittances
The growing cooperation under the defence and labor agreements marks a shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy and labor diplomacy. Officials hope the integration of security and economic strategies will create a long-term partnership that benefits both countries. If successful, the initiative could redefine Pakistan’s relationship with the Gulf, extending beyond remittances into deeper economic and strategic ties.
