Vic couple worked for nothing: Ombudsman

An Indian couple who worked in Indian restaurants in country Victoria were paid no wages for a year, despite being promised $1600 a week, the Fair Work Ombudsman says.

It is alleged businessman Farok Shaik provided only food and accommodation and short-changed the husband-and-wife a total of $85,844 between August, 2012 and October, 2013.

Mr Shaik owned and operated Indian Tandoori restaurants at several locations in regional Victoria before his company was placed into liquidation late last year.

Ombudsman Natalie James says the workers were reluctant to complain about the lack of payment because they were reliant on Mr Shaik's support for a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa application.

They were on bridging visas while they awaited the outcome of the application, but finally made a complaint when told their visas would not be approved and they were no longer working for Mr Shaik.

Mr Shaik faces maximum penalties of up to $10,200 for each offence.

A directions hearing is scheduled for the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on June 15.