Expartiates seek employment in Qatar primarily for their well being. In the process they also contribute to the overall development of the country they work for.This is a known and accepted fact.

I think, the immigration officers would look into it, if your friend would explained to them clearly, the real situation you got NOC.The sbsilsbility of NOC should clear all the hurdles for a job change.

A project may be shelved due to many reasons. Or the employer will decide to close some positions earlier than actually planned.

Or some works goes into subcontract that makes one's roles not an importatnt and then the posistion may close. In such situation I hope an employee should not be barred from changing his job, if he has NOC and can find another job.

However, I shall be glad to see other Qatar experienced QLers comments as well.