The UK's Home Office has added several construction jobs to its shortage occupation list, thereby allowing foreign workers to qualify for a work visa in the UK.

Carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, masons, roofers, roof tilers, slaters, plasterers, and construction and building traders are some of the occupations added to the list.

These jobs have been included following recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee public body in March. The list also includes roles within the healthcare sector.

The updated list allows foreign workers trained in certain professions to pay a reduced application fee. Applicants are still required to meet the basic English language requirement and will need a job offer from an employer.

Lower salary requirements for jobs identified as being in shortage have been put in place. Therefore, people employed in a listed occupation may receive pay that is 80% of the usual rate for that job.

According to the Home Office, this easing of visa restriction is a temporary measure.

The government expects the move to strengthen the economy, stimulate development, and attract new talent from abroad.

Commenting on the move, the UK interior ministry in a statement said the new roles would "aid the delivery of key national infrastructure and stimulate growth for related industries".