The NOC Rumor has been circlating for hummm how long now?
I agree you better wait to actually see it. Isnt it the old Quote "seeing is believing"?

Brief Hijack:
As for the employer holding your passport Brit....That is illegal!!!

There is a thread here regarding that very topic.
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/4772576 reply there if iterested

Go get it, it is issued to you from your government, it is government property, they are the only ones that can take if from you.

Now back to the NOC topic. Dream on. It is rumored that it will be re-vised to just 6 months ban....