Pakistan is well-positioned to expand the export of its highly skilled workforce to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing technology sector, where demand for Pakistani IT professionals continues to rise under the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 development agenda.
Experts say that Saudi Arabia’s large-scale development projects are driving sustained demand for IT experts, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, automation, and software development. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, specialists stress the need for strategic bilateral initiatives, targeted skill-development programs, and stronger institutional collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to official figures, the number of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia reached 530,256 in 2025, reflecting a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. This means more than 77,000 additional Pakistani professionals relocated to the Kingdom, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing reliance on Pakistan’s skilled workforce.
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Saudi-based IT and cybersecurity expert Taimoor Butt noted that massive infrastructure and digital transformation projects under Vision 2030 are creating strong demand for global technology professionals, particularly from Muslim countries and Pakistan. He added that Saudi firms are actively recruiting experienced IT specialists to support these initiatives.
Saudi companies are offering attractive salary packages, visa sponsorship, and additional benefits to foreign professionals. Due to the sensitive nature of digital infrastructure projects, Pakistani cybersecurity experts are expected to be given preference in key roles.
IT exporter Saad Shah revealed that several Pakistani IT and fintech companies have already established branch offices in Saudi Arabia and are relocating staff to the Kingdom. This trend is contributing to an overall increase in professional migration. He added that religious and cultural affinity, along with a large existing Pakistani community, has made Saudi Arabia a preferred destination for Pakistani professionals.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is working on multiple initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia to one million over the next few years, further strengthening bilateral labor ties.
Education expert Dr. Noman Saeed emphasized that Pakistan must align its education system with international market requirements. He stressed the importance of establishing specialized IT universities and enhancing collaboration between industry and academic institutions to prepare graduates for global opportunities.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation, experts believe Pakistani IT professionals are well-placed to play a pivotal role—provided skills development, policy alignment, and institutional cooperation continue to evolve.
