Mindset Plus and MWO Riyadh Build Mental Health Capacity Among Foreign Recruitment Agencies (FRA) Welfare Officers
On May 23, 2026, Mindset Plus Philippines, in partnership with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) – Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully conducted an in-person Capacity Building Session on Psychological First Aid and Mental Health Support for 54 Welfare Desk Officers representing 54 Foreign Recruitment Agencies (FRAs) operating across the Kingdom.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Artcher Santillan of Mindset Plus Philippines and brought together FRA representatives and welfare personnel who play a critical frontline role in supporting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) throughout their migration and employment journey.
Foreign Recruitment Agencies serve as one of the primary gateways connecting OFWs to overseas employment opportunities, particularly in Gulf countries where large numbers of Filipino workers are deployed every year. As frontline actors interacting directly with workers before deployment and during employment-related concerns, FRAs are often among the first to observe signs of stress, emotional distress, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, burnout, and psychosocial challenges experienced by OFWs.
Recognizing this important responsibility, the session focused on strengthening the capacity of FRA Welfare Desk Officers to:
- recognize common signs and symptoms of psychological distress among OFWs;
- apply basic Psychological First Aid principles;
- communicate with empathy and reassurance during difficult situations;
- provide initial emotional support and guidance; and
- understand appropriate referral pathways and support mechanisms.
The activity utilized a highly interactive and engaging approach, combining practical discussions, real-life reflections, participatory exercises, and open Q&A to encourage active learning and real-world application.
This initiative forms part of the continuing collaboration between Mindset Plus Philippines and the MWO Riyadh to strengthen preventive mental health and psychosocial support systems for OFWs and the institutions that serve them.
By equipping frontline welfare and recruitment actors with practical mental health support skills, the initiative contributes to building a more compassionate, responsive, and resilient support environment for Filipino migrant workers across the Gulf region.
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