Mediation is structured help — not a substitute for safety
When an employer and migrant domestic worker (MDW / FDW) cannot resolve a dispute alone, mediation options may help — usually after calm talk and licensed EA involvement. Short rules: try clear communication first, loop your EA (unique #26), use soft MOM mediation / dispute channels only as listed live on mom.gov.sg, and call 999 / 995 if anyone is unsafe.
This page is general employer guidance only. Soft MOM: mediation and welfare processes change — verify live. No invented fees.
SmartMaid.com.sg is a search marketplace, not a mediator. See How Smart Maid Singapore differs from a maid agency.
Typical order before mediation
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Private talk | Tone and facts (#27) |
| Written house standard | Shared reference (#32) |
| Licensed EA | Aftercare / early issues (#26) |
| Soft MOM channels | When employment standards / welfare need official path (#51) |
| Mediation | When both sides need a structured third-party process — confirm live options |
Abuse / ill-treatment → unique #50 + emergency numbers — do not “mediate away” safety.
Soft MOM mediation framing (verify live)
MOM and related services may offer dispute / mediation pathways for employment issues. This article does not map forms or fees. Open mom.gov.sg, search the current dispute/mediation topic, and follow the live instructions.
What to prepare
- Short dated timeline
- What you already asked the EA
- House-rule lines and schedule notes
- MC / clinic notes if relevant
What mediation is not for
- Grocery brand preferences (#41)
- Ordinary first-month feedback you have not tried (#45)
- Emergencies (use 999 / 995)
Written do / don’t (paste onto #32)
Do
- Try talk + EA before official paths when safe
- Follow live MOM mediation guidance
- Keep zero tolerance for abuse (#50)
Don’t
- Invent mediation fees from this blog
- Block lawful help
- Use shy-helper 301 slug
FAQ
Is SmartMaid a mediation service?
No. It is a search marketplace.
How is this different from contacting MOM (#51)?
Unique #51 owns when MOM contact fits. This page owns mediation as a dispute option — confirm live.
Soft next steps
- Try talk + EA (#26).
- Check live mom.gov.sg mediation/dispute pages.
- Keep #50 / #51 / #27 linked.
- Shortlist on search maids · transfer maids.
*General guidance only. Not legal advice. Confirm MOM / EA / police rules live. No $ amounts. Never rewrite shy-helper 301.*
## What changed vs live
- Replaced thin rest-day boilerplate with a mediation options guide.
- Linked #26 / #51 / #50 / #27. Soft MOM. No $.
