letting a man know you're not interested in him like that before it's 'come up' so to speak

[Surelyknot]

I feel like I haven't done anything to encourage him, unless getting on really well and being in touch regularly despite being in different countries counts. If he does return to this country he'd be leaving behind a child and a well paid job. He says he misses 'people' but a bit of detective work suggests that he's not in contact with that many people. I feel incredibly arrogant and presumptuous even presuming that I might be a factor in the decision.

OP we definitely need some more background info here. Who is this guy? Why is he abroad?

But, tbh, yes being regularly in touch with an unrelated man in a different country would suggest you are romantically interested in him.

I think you can easily nip this in the bud without outright declaring your un-love for him with a simple "don't be daft... you can't leave xxx, what about you're child and your child? there's nothing here for you". And then stop answering his messages!!

How about "Well it's a really big step to move countries again. I mean, it's not like you'd be moving to be with a partner or anything is it, so even though you'd see friends like me and x and y, you'd be giving up your life there for nothing much over here." That makes it obvious you're not thinking of him in that category without making a big deal of it.