Inquiry Regarding NOC Requirement for Saudi Work Visa

I would truly appreciate it if someone helps me with this issue.

NOC is must if you are applying from within the GCC for a Saudi work visa.  It's not needed if you go and apply from home country.

@XTang

Thank you for your response.

So if my current employer refuses to give me an NOC, what options do I have except applying from my country?

Would it be possible for my potential Saudi employer to request Embassy of Saudi at Muscat to waive off this NOC requirement for me?

I haven't heard of anyone being given a waiver but you can try.   

I don't know about Oman but in Bahrain, what people have done to get around it is:

1) They set up their own company  (or find a friend with a company)

2) Resign from their employer

3) Put themselves on the visa of their own company and give a waiver from there

Other than this,  you have no option but to go to home country.

@XTang

Thank you once again for your detailed reply. If you could please answer the following as well.

So, if I resign, but my visa is still remaining, do I have to exit and come back for joining the new company? Or local transfers are possible without exit / obtaining NOC / release letter from current employer?

If not, whether my new local employer will apply for sponsor change on my behalf?