What is 'illegal' and what happens are two completely different things. As long as your friend is British (or European), he can come back freely and go in and out on a visit visa every 60 days with a visa-on-arrival. So many people are doing it due to the comical NOC situation. The challenge is finding an understanding employer. There is a risk for both the business and the employee to work without a work visa, but it's minimal and he just has to be cautious. On the other hand, the right new sponsor with enough 'Wasta' may be able to have a chat with the old sponsor.
What is 'illegal' and what happens are two completely different things. As long as your friend is British (or European), he can come back freely and go in and out on a visit visa every 60 days with a visa-on-arrival. So many people are doing it due to the comical NOC situation. The challenge is finding an understanding employer. There is a risk for both the business and the employee to work without a work visa, but it's minimal and he just has to be cautious. On the other hand, the right new sponsor with enough 'Wasta' may be able to have a chat with the old sponsor.