Looking to leave

I have been on a two year contract in Saudi, having started in June 2017. To advise, my situation has been complicated by the fact my employer failed to update my visa in time, which caused me an issues. I came in on a 180 day visa, with 30 days stays, meaning every 30 days the must renew....june/july was okay, july/august was okay, August/September the forget, even after they were advised.

Anyway, in November I took leave, after the company paid fines etc.....and for the next 5 months was not allowed to travel to Saudi. In the end, the company opened an office in Bahrain. In April. I returned back to the Middle east.

Due to being out for 5 months, I asked the company regards my contract, and they stated it was on hold during that time....so basically, I was continuing my contract and would work the missed days in 2019

In june 2019, I asked regards renewed contract to which they said no....by my calculation my contract should end in june, as that's the two year period up....but because I missed five months, my contract would end technically  end in October.

I was on a visit visa and not an IQAMA. I have been offered a new job back in Saudi. and have no wish to come back with this particular company and start with the new one.

I have not advised my company of what I am doing and want to break ties with them when all is confirmed finished and my new company has obtained a visa for me.

I want to ask, even if my contract is finshed, do I still need to get permission from them to go and work for another company....they have advised me it will take around 4/5 months for them to get me a residents visa, and if I am not prepared to wait, they will release me...….I leave Bahrain 17th of October and wanna be shot of these idiots. Can someone advise.