Prague - The Czech Republic Wednesday has suspended the issuance of work visas to some Eastern Europeans and Asians in response to the economic downturn that has struck the country's export-driven economy, officials said.

As of Wednesday, the Czech embassies in Moldova, Mongolia, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam are suspending accepting work-visa applications and scheduling work-visa interviews, the Czech Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The measure is to last for "at least the coming weeks," according to the ministry.

The Czech economy was largely bypassed by the global financial meltdown but the economy, dependent on exports to Western Europe, is hurting following a drop in demand. Foreign workers have been among the first sacked amid the slump. (dpa)