There is not much to be done other than appealing to the better nature of the sponsor. I think it is likely that the sponsorship law will change at least for the professional people (along the lines of UAE) but probably not in time to help your friends. The other alternative is to leave the country and return on a business visa and do a monthly visa run.

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary. Mahatma Gandhi