The economic crisis and high crime rates in Venezuela have forced thousands out of their homeland and, given the alleged advantages that the Peruvian government offers Venezuelan immigrants, such as stay permits and recognition of university degrees, many take the four-day ride to a better future.
Although for some the promise comes through in the form of dignified living conditions, many Venezuelans are exploited in hour working shifts, earning minimum wage. His work consists on getting a Peruvian client in touch with a Venezuelan woman. That alone is 50 soles, as much as an average working day, in 15 minutes. In turn, the girls charge soles per hour. The operation takes place mostly in well-to-do areas of the Peruvian capital. According to Anderson, several hotels in the city have special employees charged with letting pimps know if any new Venezuelan women have arrived so they can make their proposals.
There are even nascent businesses around prostitution, such as renting furnished apartments specifically for Venezuelan women. They always ask you about it. Peruvian friends understand the situation of Venezuelan women and ask you whether one of them would like to earn some extra money.
Anderson travelled from Aragua de Barcelona to Lima on the first week of December , with a suitcase full of ideas and enthusiasm. His first job in Peru was as a bearer in a shipping company: he unloaded containers from a. He got tired of the routine in a month and resigned. In recent months, Peruvian news have been filled with stories of native citizens being laid off in favor of Venezuelans.
There are even job offers exclusively for Venezuelans, because employers can save money in terms of wages and labor benefits. Anderson had messy living conditions, he slept on the floor in a gym where a friend of his worked. He currently lives in a hostel along with many of his countrymen. Anderson says that the business is profitable thanks to the physical traits of Venezuelan women.
