Work Permit Process, Can u leave the country after you have obtained police clearance.....ETC

Hi all, I have been reading lots of posts and comments and I am getting confused; so a couple of questions here in the hope you guys can clarify for me! Once u get your police clearance and all other relevant documents (for work permit), where do you go? (this is for spouse under husband's sponsorship). Do you first go and get the approval from the Labour Department? - what docs do you need to bring along for that? then after that what do you need to do..? Where do you actually go to submit for your work permit? :( ??Another question, once you get your police clearance and waiting to start the work permit application process is it advisable to leave the country for a short few days and come back?- thinking of visiting my family before I start work. Would leaving the country make the police clearance void or anything ?As it does state that prior to the date on the certificate your records is clear. or would they say oh because you left the country we need another updated record clearance?!?! (coz as some may know this clearance thing itself took weeks even a month to get!) Hope someone can help me on these questions! Thanks a million!