People, calm down!
Lantingp, the rule is that no worker can seek (or get) work for two years. If there is an NOC, issued at the SOLE descretion of the first employer, the worker can legally search for (and hopefully get) work. That is the law.
Some sponsors relieve their workers immediately and give an NOC after six months, but that is THEIR RIGHT.
The law is clear: No NOC, Two years! NOC available, you can work right away.
And no, the law has NOT (yet) been changed as some have speculated. If it is law, it is in the official gazette that newspapers report on regularly.
Hope this helps!