diff --git a/perl6.pir b/perl6.pir
index 0fcb944e47b..f9744f60d44 100644
--- a/perl6.pir
+++ b/perl6.pir
@@ -311,7 +311,8 @@ and report exceptions.
 
   exit:
     pop_eh
-    exit 0
+    $I0 = exception['exit_code']
+    exit $I0
 .end
 .sub 'format_location'
     .param pmc cur_block