Welcome to the outside world. There are many places around the globe where this is common unfortunately but all this is not illegal according ICAO . not so safe maybe but not illegal . . It is in many places up to the controller to ensure he is in possession of a valid medical certificate, not the employer.
As to the licence,you need to be licensed ( i.e checked by the authority that you are licensed to work ) but having a paper thing is not mandatory. Many States do not issue a "paper licence"
As to refresher training , it is recommended, but unfortunately not mandatory..