AFP cited the Czech foreign ministry spokeswoman, Zuzana Opletalova, as saying that the decision also affects nationals from Moldova, Mongolia, Thailand and Ukraine.

The measure will remain in force for several weeks, she said, adding the step does not concern tourists and people who have recently filed work and business visa applications.

The number of foreigners working legally in the Czech Republic started to decrease in November last year as the global crisis began to hit the country.

In early March, the Czech Republic resumed visa granting to Vietnamese nationals. It had announced its suspension decision in November last year amidst bribery complaints and fears of crime.