Tokyo: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is reinforcing its support mechanisms for Filipino communities in Japan after a dialogue with the Japanese Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) revealed alarming mental health concerns and persistent legal hurdles faced by non-worker migrants.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CFO is currently conducting a series of study visits across Japan. These activities aim to bring the Commission closer to its constituents and better understand the specific needs of Filipinos in Japan, as mentioned in a press release on Thursday.

JFBA is Japan's national, mandatory organization for all lawyers, serving as the governing body that protects human rights, ensures social justice, regulates legal professionals, and promotes legal advancement, while acting as the central voice for the entire Japanese legal community both domestically and internationally.

JFBA lawyers Suzuki Masako, Keiko Sugawa, Takashi Ito, and Yayoi Hasagawa briefed the CFO on growing cases of sadness, depression, and social isolation among Filipinos, noting limited access to mental health services and community support for this vulnerable sector.

Another concern raised was the long-standing problems involving children born to Filipino-Japanese parents who remain unrecognized by the government, leaving them without proper legal status or protection.

The lawyers also noted a high number of foreigners, including Filipinos, whose residency status changes while in Japan, expressing concern over the new political landscape, observing that Japan is pushing for stricter rules on foreign nationals and migration.

Based on CFO data, there are 39,066 overseas Filipinos residing in Japan as of 2022.

Meanwhile, the CFO said that overseas Filipinos in Japan encouraged the agency to expand its initiative during the recent 'Ugnayan' community engagement at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, which drew significant interest from Filipinos seeking clarity on Japan's legal processes.