Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are preparing a new agreement to streamline the recruitment of Pakistani domestic workers for jobs in Saudi Arabia and strengthen protections for those employed there.

The proposed agreement was discussed during meetings between Pakistani officials and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).

The framework is expected to create a clearer and more organised recruitment process while improving coordination between authorities in both countries. It will also focus on the welfare and protection of Pakistani domestic workers and support safer migration.

The proposal follows discussions held during the International Labour Conference in Geneva, where Pakistan’s Minister and Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development met Saudi officials.

Saudi Arabia is the largest destination for Pakistani workers abroad and an important source of remittances for Pakistan.

The new agreement would specifically cover domestic workers. It would complement the broader General Agreement on the Recruitment of Workers signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 2021.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has sought Federal Cabinet approval to sign the proposed agreement under the Rules of Business, 1973.

Officials said the agreement is expected to be signed during an upcoming high-level Saudi visit to Pakistan.

The proposed framework is aimed at making domestic worker recruitment more transparent while strengthening safeguards for Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia.