becoming an apprentice overseas

Hi, happy to have made my first post here even though I have been a lurker for a couple of years.
I do have a question. I live in a country where tattooing is officially banned due to religious reasons and most tattoo enthusiasts are on their own to learn the art they love with the help of the internet or books, etc and as you can imagine in such condition the quality of arts made and can not be that good.
I have had the love for this art in my heart for years and I'd say I'm a pretty good traditional artist. I have studied painting and have an MA in illustration. I wonder if there is any chance for someone like me to accepted as a apprentice in a respected tattoo studio in a foreign country? I know the chance is very limited if not completely impossible. but still. I wonder if any of you might know something that could help me?
thanks in advance.

If tattoos are banned in your country, then you would have to move away from there to tattoo so the answer to your question is simple....move away and then start searching for someone to take you on as an apprentice. Even for people living in countries where tattooing is accepted it is sometimes difficult or near impossible to get a start as an apprentice. I wish you good luck in your endevour to start your tattoo journey.