Its a stupid rule by a stupid country, and give the fact that the UAE have relaxed this rule and Qatar needs loads more workers for the upcoming WC work then things need to change quickly otherwise workers will flock to the UAE for better wages and conditions...Sorry to hear about your story mate, it should be mandatory that if a company lets you go (and your not resigning) that a NOC gets provided. If a company no longer needs your services then what do they care if you work for someone else.