An Italian referendum on granting faster citizenship to immigrants has failed due to a low turnout, as voters heeded Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s call to boycott the ballot.

Italy’s referendums aimed at relaxing citizenship laws and improving job protections have failed on because of low turnout. That's according to final data on Monday.

The referendum, proposed by trade unions and civic organisations, addresses issues that have generated political debate in Italy in recent years, particularly labour market reform, as well as migrant reception and integration policies.