diff --git a/kernel/workqueue.c b/kernel/workqueue.c
index b57a8ba..2c6871c 100644
--- a/kernel/workqueue.c
+++ b/kernel/workqueue.c
@@ -2848,6 +2848,13 @@
 	unsigned int cpu;
 
 	/*
+	 * Workqueues which may be used during memory reclaim should
+	 * have a rescuer to guarantee forward progress.
+	 */
+	if (flags & WQ_MEM_RECLAIM)
+		flags |= WQ_RESCUER;
+
+	/*
 	 * Unbound workqueues aren't concurrency managed and should be
 	 * dispatched to workers immediately.
 	 */