work-life balance

It's important to balance between work and life. Money is also important, but some people want to make themselves happy by allowing themselves to get some rest.
One of my friends work for a large company known for the semiconductor. He makes a lot of money. However, he works overtime almost everyday, so he cannot do anything after work.
He took 4 days off last year, because his department had workload. He always says to me "My batteries are running out.
Maybe cause of my personality, I feel exhausted emotionally.
 If possible, I want to change jobs in some shape or form, but it's not easy. The reason why is that this filed is not big, but I will try over and over." He has a hard time working  for 6 years. 
The goverment doesn't allow employees to work over 52 hours a week. According to the regulations, they must work extra hours, but they have no choice but to work overtime everyday.
Does it make sense that they don't keep the rule?