Pakistan to Boost Export of High-Skilled Tech Workforce to Saudi Arabia
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Pakistan is set to expand the export of its high-skilled workforce to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing technology sector, as the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme continues to fuel strong demand for digital talent in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation and software engineering.
Industry experts believe that stronger bilateral cooperation, focused training initiatives and improved institutional coordination could help shift Pakistani migration trends away from low-skilled labour towards knowledge-based employment. This transition could not only increase remittance inflows but also deepen long-term economic ties between the two countries.
Official figures show that more than 530,000 Pakistani workers moved to Saudi Arabia in 2025 — the highest number ever recorded — compared to around 452,000 the previous year, representing a 17% annual increase.
Saudi-based IT and cybersecurity specialist Taimor Butt said the Kingdom’s mega projects under Vision 2030 are creating unprecedented opportunities for skilled professionals from Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
“Saudi Arabia is aggressively hiring global talent in automation, software development, engineering, AI and cybersecurity to support its digital transformation,” he said, adding that employers are offering attractive salary packages, relocation support, visa sponsorship and housing and healthcare benefits.
Butt noted that Pakistani professionals are especially well-positioned in cybersecurity roles due to the trust and sensitivity associated with such positions. He also suggested that both countries should invest jointly in emerging fields like quantum computing and advanced defence technologies through shared ventures.
In recent years, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed multiple cooperation agreements covering defence, trade, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Saudi telecom firm GO Telecommunications Group has also established an AI Hub in Pakistan to promote skills development and talent exchange, while Pakistan has committed to supplying trained professionals for Saudi Arabia’s semiconductor sector.
IT exporter Saad Shah said many Pakistani technology firms have expanded their footprint in the Kingdom by setting up local offices and transferring employees to Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia is an increasingly attractive destination due to cultural familiarity, easier religious access, and more flexible policies for foreign professionals,” he said, adding that deeper coordination between government agencies could significantly accelerate skilled worker mobility.
According to Shah, Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis aims to raise annual worker migration to Saudi Arabia to one million within the next few years.
Saudi Arabia’s growing economic activity across healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism and entertainment is expected to further increase demand for skilled manpower, especially ahead of major global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Education expert Dr Noman Said stressed that Pakistan must urgently reform its education system to meet global technology standards.
“Pakistan produces around 25,000 IT graduates each year, but their skills often fall short of international market requirements,” he said, calling for specialised IT universities and intensive industry-led training programmes.
With Pakistan’s population expanding at over 2% annually and unemployment exceeding 7%, experts argue that exporting skilled manpower offers one of the most effective solutions for economic stability.
Remittances remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy, reaching $19.7 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.
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