My friend says that it is compulsory to obey all the laws of the kaafir country where we live.

Answer

It is not permissible to obey such laws which are in conflict with the Shariah. Hence, if one is able to circumvent the laws of Taaghoot which conflict with the Shariah, then this will be perfectly permissible.

If a person who is not a born citizen of a country makes a pledge to the kaafir government to observe its laws, then the pledge becomes binding. There is no pledge between the born citizens of a country and the government. On the contrary, the government is installed by the citizens. Therefore, the Aayat pertaining to fulfilment of pledges does not apply to born citizens of a country.

Furthermore, immigrants -- foreigners -- who apply for citizenship should understand that it is haraam to sign a pledge which requires one to commit haraam deeds. It is not permissible to migrate to a kaafir country where one has to pledge to abide by even kufr, fisq and fujoor. Thus, those who migrate to kuffaar countries such as Canada, America, UK, etc. where they have to pledge to abide by kufr, are guilty of grave and major sins.