1.

Joint Mediation Helpline Office (“JMHO”) has been appointed by the Government of the HKSAR as an independent coordinator to implement a pilot scheme for provision of mediation services to Small Claims Tribunal cases at the WKMC, i.e. the Small Claims Mediation Pilot Scheme (“Pilot Scheme”). The Pilot Scheme, which commenced operation on 8 November 2018, aims to provide more accessible and affordable mediation services to disputants of Small Claims Tribunal cases and other cases with an amount in dispute not exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims Tribunal.

The Pilot Scheme also aims to enhance the professional standards of Hong Kong mediators. Therefore, experienced mediators (“Mentor Mediators”) will conduct mediation together with less experienced mediators (“Mentee Mediators”) under the Pilot Scheme.

2.

Free Consultation will be provided by a Mediation Consultant to address enquiries, explain what mediation is, and understand the dispute with a view to answering its suitability for mediation and preparing the party for mediation where appropriate.

JMHO will seek consent from the other party to the dispute and appoint a mediator for parties from the list of mediators under the Pilot Scheme. For the list of mediators under the Pilot Scheme, please click here.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential negotiation process in which an impartial person, the Mediator, facilitates the parties to identify the issues, communicate and reach a settlement. The signed mediated settlement agreement is legally binding.

3.

- Dispute amount not exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims Tribunal as prescribed under section 5 of the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance (Cap. 338 of the Laws of Hong Kong), i.e. HK$75,000.

4.